The Importance of Brotherhood in Islam

Within society there are many different kinds of relationships and associations that are made between people. One of the highest forms of these relationships is that of brotherhood The concept of brotherhood holds an important place in the religion of Islam and many essential elements of Islam are fostered under its concept. Brotherhood harvests the fruits of faith and love for the sake of Allah It is also a gift from Allah that is shared between believers and Allah commands it: “And hold fast, all of you together to the Rope of Allah and be not divided among yourselves and remember Allah's favor on you, for you were enemies one to another, but He joined your hearts together so that by His Grace you became brethren.” (Qur'an 3:103) “And He has united their hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have united their hearts. But Allah has united them: Certainly, He is All-Mighty, All-Wise.” (Qur'an 8:63)

The concept of brotherhood in Islam can be defined as the act of loving in a person that which Allah loves in him and this is the same concept that leads to love of our Prophet This concept implies looking at our brothers and sisters in Islam and recognizing the good and them while over looking their faults and learning to love them for the good they represent Unfortunately few Muslims can do this and we often fall victim to shaytan's plan of creating dissension

As Believers we must make ourselves understand that A strong, devoted Muslim is more entitled to our love than a weak, disobedient person who falls short of his duties towards his Creator. This should be the criteria used when formulating friendships with others. We should look for those qualities that are most pleasing to Allah in others and then allign ourselves as brothers and sisters to one another because that brotherhood forms a ring and sheild against shaytaan

And again, our allegiance should be to the Muslim not the non-muslim for The heart of the believer harbors no love for the polytheists and rejecters of faith even if they are of his kin. The hearts of the believers are filled with love for other true believers. These are his true brothers. Brothers in Islam love and hate in proportion to the qualities loved or hated by Allah(S.W.T.). Brotherhood is also the fruit of good character, The Messenger(S) said in a hadeeth narrated by Tirmidhee: "What accounts the most for leading people into paradise is the taqwa of Allah and good character." The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also discussed the importance of good character with Abu Hurairah. The Prophet (pbuh) said: "O Abu HuraYrah, maintain good character." Abu Hurairah then asked the Prophet (pbuh): "And what is good character, O Messenger of Allah?" The Prophet (pbuh) replied: "Connect with the people that shun you, forgive those that wrong you and give to those that deprive you."

The perfect model of Islamic brotherhood can be constructed from the life, character, and words of the noble Messenger of Allah : In a hadeeth narrated by Tabarani, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: "Those who sit nearer to me are the ones among you with the best manners, the humble who befriend and are befriended." On another occasion the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The believer is friendly and easy to befriend. And there is no good in the person who does not befriend and does not get befriended." (Musnad Imam Ahmad)

Prophet Muhammad also said in a Hadeeth Qudsi: "Allah, the Exalted, says 'Indeed, My Love shall be bestowed upon the ones who visit each other for My Sake. Indeed, My Love shall be bestowed upon the ones who love one another for My Sake. Indeed, My Love shall be bestowed upon the ones who approach one another in humility for My Sake. And, indeed, My Love shall be bestowed upon the ones that rush to help one another for My Sake." (Musnad Imam Ahmad)

On one occasion Idrees al-Khawadani said to Mu`aadh ibn Jabal: "I love you for the sake of Allah." Mu`aadh responded: "Behold! Then, behold again the good news! For I have heard the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) saying: 'On the Day of Judgment, seats will be placed around the Throne [of Allah] for a group of people whose faces resemble the full moon. These people shall not experience any fear or terror although all others will. They are the friends of Allah upon whom there shall be no fear and who shall not be sad. It was asked, 'Who are those people, O Messenger of Allah?' The Messenger (pbuh) replied, 'They are the ones who love one another for the sake of Allah, The Exalted.''"

These various sayings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) show that By fostering love for the sake of Allah and establishing ties of brotherhood among fellow Muslims, the believer may hope to attain the ultimate and unimaginable honor: The friendship and pleasure of Allah

So What Are the Conditions of Brotherhood in islam?

So now we reach the most important part of the lecture... Now understanding the meaning of True Brotherhood and its: Importance Conditons The rights involved What can we now do to strengthen our ties with one another?

Here are some suggestions: Let your brothers in Islam know that you love them When you meet one of your brothers, hasten to smile and shake hands with him. If you take leave of a brother, ask him to make du'aa' for you. Visit your brother often and on a regular basis. When special occasions arise, congratulate your brother and join him in rejoicing.