Islam encourages brotherhood, which is related to good behaviour, treating others the way we want to be treated, and uniting upon common values. It provides good relationships in Islam for the sake of Allah. Believers work together towards fulfilling the goals of the religion and living out its divine values.
Brotherhood in the Quran:
Allah stresses us on being united, ally to each other, avoid hatred and division. There are numerous Ayats in the Quran emphasising brotherhood. Allah says:
“The believers are but brothers, so make reconciliation between your brothers and fear Allah that you may receive mercy.” [Surat al-Hujurat 49:10].
“Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” [Surat Ali Imran 3:103].
“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give charity and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have mercy upon them, for Allah is Almighty and Wise.” [Surat al-Tawbah 9:71].
Brotherhood in the Sunnah:
The Prophet (s) was worried for the Ummah and told us to be united. He (s) said:
“Do not hate each other, do not envy each other, do not turn away from each other, but rather be servants of Allah as brothers. It is not lawful for a Muslim to boycott his brother for more than three days.” (Sahiḥ al-Bukhari 5718)
The believers are like one body in their love for one another; when any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever (Sahiḥ al-Bukhari 5665; Sahih Muslim 2586).
The believers love each other, avoid harming, are generous with one another, and behave in the best manner. When we help our brothers and sisters in Islam, we are helping ourselves. When we pray for them, the angels pray for us (Sahih Muslim 2732). The Prophet (s) said:
“Whoever relieves the hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve his hardship on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever helps ease one in difficulty, Allah will make it easy for him in this world and in the Hereafter. Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah helps the servant as long as he helps his brother.” (Sahih Muslim 2699)
We must love all the believers for the sake of Allah and be united, as highlighted in the Quran and Sunnah. We should not discuss things in such a way that may create divisions among us. If someone is wrong, we must be patient, give good advice, interpret any actions in the best way, and overlook mistakes. I am concluding with the following Hadith where the Prophet (s) said:
“Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the most false of tales. Do not seek out faults, do not spy on each other, do not contend with each other, do not envy each other, do not hate each other, and do not turn away from each other. Rather, be servants of Allah as brothers.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5719)
Well written Dr. Misbah Bhai n. May Allah reward you for the efforts you have exerted.
Thanks. We all need to know Allah’s messages.