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5 Ways to Nurture the Bonds of Brotherhood Between Believers The Qur’ān says: ‘The believers are indeed but brothers.’ 49:10 Brotherhood (or sisterhood, as the case may be) is a core principle of Islam. It is a brotherhood obliged by God; it is a brotherhood, the bonds of which are to be rooted in love of God. Islām not only explains the ideals of brotherhood, it lays down practical teachings that help to make it a reality in our daily lives. Such teachings include: 1. Remembering that Allāh has made the life and honour of every believer sacred. It is forbidden to harm a Muslim’s honour or repute, as it is to harm their life or their property. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: ‘Do not envy one another, do not inflate prices one to another, do not turn your backs on one another, and do not undercut one another – but be, O God’s slaves, brothers. A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim: he doesn’t oppress him or forsake him, nor does he lie to him or hold him in contempt. Piety is right here (pointing to his breast, thrice). It is evil enough to hold a brother Muslim in contempt. The whole of a Muslim, for another Muslim, is sacred: his blood, his property and his honour.’ Muslim, no.2564 2. Making it a part of our daily spiritual habit of supplicating for the well-being of Muslims. One hadith says: ‘The du‘ā of a Muslim for his brother [Muslim] in his absence, is always responded to.’ Muslim, no.2733 In fact, so great an act it is, and so sacred is the life of a believer, that the Prophet, peace be upon him, once declared: ‘Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and women, God records for him a good deed for every believing man and woman [he prays for].’ Al-Haythamī, Majma‘ al-Zawā’id, 10:210 3. Devoting some time of our day, each day, in their service (khidmāh) in whatever capacity we can. So dear is this dedication and service to God, that one celebrated hadīth says: ‘God helps His servant as long as the servant continues to help his brother.’ Al-Bukhārī, no.2442; Muslim, no.2580 4. Ensuring not to end the day with rancour in our hearts against any Muslim, but striving to rid ourselves of this toxic disease whenever it arises. The following du‘ā from the Qur’ān is a powerful medicine for such a thing: ‘Our Lord! Forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith, and leave not in our hearts any rancour towards those who believe. Our Lord! You are Kind, Compassionate.’ 59:10 5. Doing one’s utmost to follow the Golden Rule: ‘None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.’ Bukhārī, no.13; Muslim, no.45 If, however, one is weak in faith and fails to live up to this lofty ideal, then to never fall below the minimum level of behaviour with others – as taught to us by the early pietist, Yahya b. Mu‘ādh al-Rāzī: ‘Let your dealing with another believer be of three types: If you cannot benefit him, do not harm him. If you cannot gladden him, do not sadden him. If you cannot speak well of him, do not speak ill of him.’[1] Allāhumma allif baynā qulūbinā wa aslih dhāta bayninā waj‘alnā min al-rashidīn. Āmīn! ----------------------- 1. Cited in Ibn Rajab, Jami‘ al-‘Ulūm wa’l-Hikam (Beirut: Mu’assasah al-Risalah, 1998), 2:283. Naseehah channel on telegram

Sterling advices of Sayyiduna 'Umar (radiyallahu 'anhu) on interaction In the following report, Sayyiduna 'Umar (radiyallahu'anhu) has offered sterling guidelines on interaction with fellow humans. Lets read them carefully with the intention of implementing. The famous Tabi’i; Sayyiduna Sa’id ibn Musayyab (rahimahullah) reports that Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radiyallahu ‘anhu) laid eighteen guidelines for the people, each one filled with wisdom: 1. When someone disobeys Allah in matters that impacts on you, you can retaliate in no better way than obeying Allah in matters that impact on him. 2. Always assume the best about your brother unless you learn something about him that you cannot reconcile. 3. Never assume the worst about any statement that a Muslim makes as long as you are able to make a good interpretation. 4. One who exposes himself to suspicion must never blame anyone who holds a bad opinion of him. 5. Whoever guards his secrets will retain the choice [and control of it] in his hands. 6. Ensure that you keep true friends to stay under their wings because they are a source of beauty during times of prosperity and a means of protection during times of hardship. 7. Ensure that you speak the truth even if it leads to your death. 8. Never delve into matters that do not concern you. 9. Do not ask about matters that have not occurred because that which has already taken place is enough to keep you occupied from that which has not. 10. Never seek your needs from one who does not love to see your success. 11. Never keep the company of a sinner, as you will learn his sinful ways. 12. Keep away from your enemy. 13 & 14. Beware even of your friends, except for the trustworthy one and none can be trustworthy unless he fears Allah. 15. To be humble in speech. 16. Lower yourself in obedience of Allah. 17. Stand firm against His disobedience. 18. Consult in your matters those who fear Allah, indeed Allah says: انما يخشى الله من عباده العلماء It is those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah. (Surah Fatir, Verse: 28) (Rawdatul ‘Uqala of Imam Ibn Hibban (rahimahullah), pg.82-83 with a chain of reliable narrators) Each of these advices are of much pertinence on our era. May Allah Ta'ala guide us to implement them. And Allah Ta’ala Knows best al-miftah