Islamic Brotherhood

Islam is a religion of love and encourages strong, warm, rich and durable bonds of love and brotherhood between human beings which no other religion articulates. Islam advices it’s followers to develop love and affection between each other.  The entire world is a brotherhood of Allah’s people. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) preached and practiced brotherhood. Islam establishes human brotherhood on the basis of faith and preaches to respect the followers of other religions as well. According to Islam the whole human race originated from a pair of male and female so all have common grandparents and ancestor. This very fact unites every human to the other. Mankind is one common family which unfortunately disintegrated itself into race, cast and color. The common parentage between humans arises from Adam and Eve.

 

“O, mankind! Surely we have created you of a male and female and make you tribes and families that you know each other, surely the noblest among you unto Allah is one who fears him .Lo! Allah is Knower Aware” Al-Hujurat [49.13]

The above verse states the criteria for judgment in the sight of Allah does not depend on caste, color, creed, gender or wealth, but on Taqwa. Anyone who is righteous, pious and fears is honored in the sight of Allah. Allah describes the believers as being brother. He says

“The believers are but brothers” Al-Hujurat [49:10]

Along with Quranic verses there are many ahadith on the teachings of brother in Islam. Abu Musa reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) as saying: A believer is like a building for another, the one part supporting the other. A building needs bricks and a strong foundation to stand but for that it needs the support of bricks therefore every brick should support one another to make the building tall and mighty.

Islamic concept of brotherhood is deep that ensures the well being and safety of the society. Muslim’s faith is dependant entirely on its behavior and attitude towards his Muslim brother. The Prophet said, “None of you is believer till he wishes for his brother what he likes for himself.” If a Muslim eats his full while ignoring the plight of a hungry neighbor then he is not a Muslim. Ibn Abbas (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) as saying: the person who eats his full and the neighbor in his surroundings is hungry is not Muslim”. Brotherhood was established in Madina between the emigrants from Makkah (Muhajirin) and the helpers of Madina (Ansars). This brotherhood was definitely exceptional in the history of the world.

The Islamic concept of brotherhood is a blessing. The greatest asset of Muslims to overcome difficulties lies in being united. The enemies of Islam can only be united by standing one against them. The feeling of brotherhood is an essential prerequisite for unity and faith. May Allah help the Muslim Ummah to establish the true spirit of brotherhood by overcoming differences. Brotherhood can only be established by acting upon the teachings of the Holy Quran and Holy Prophet especially in this regard.