In Islam, the concept of brotherhood, or “Ukhuwah,” transcends blood relations and extends to a unique spiritual bond among Muslims. Brotherhood is fundamental to building a supportive, caring, and united community. This sense of unity is rooted in the teachings of the Quran and Hadith, where believers are encouraged to treat each other with kindness, empathy, and support. The teachings on brotherhood guide Muslims to offer compassion, resolve conflicts peacefully, and strengthen their collective faith. In this article, we’ll explore Hadiths that emphasize brotherhood, providing insights into the messages each conveys and the practical ways these teachings shape Muslim lives.
The Muslim is the Brother of Another Muslim
Hadith in English
Abdullah ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He does not wrong him, nor surrender him. Whoever fulfils the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfil his needs. Whoever relieves a Muslim from distress, Allah will relieve him from distress on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever covers the faults of a Muslim, Allah will cover his faults on the Day of Resurrection.”
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 2442, Sahih Muslim 2580
Hadith in Arabic
عن عبد الله بن عمر رضي الله عنهما أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ الْمُسْلِمُ أَخُو الْمُسْلِمِ لَا يَظْلِمُهُ وَلَا يُسْلِمُهُ مَنْ كَانَ فِي حَاجَةِ أَخِيهِ كَانَ اللَّهُ فِي حَاجَتِهِ وَمَنْ فَرَّجَ عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ كُرْبَةً فَرَّجَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ بِهَا كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَمَنْ سَتَرَ مُسْلِمًا سَتَرَهُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ
Hadith in Urdu
عبداللہ بن عمر رضی اللہ عنہما سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا، “مسلمان دوسرے مسلمان کا بھائی ہے۔ وہ اس پر ظلم نہیں کرتا اور اسے دشمن کے حوالے نہیں کرتا۔ جو شخص اپنے بھائی کی ضرورت پوری کرے گا، اللہ اس کی ضرورت پوری کرے گا۔ جو شخص کسی مسلمان کی مشکل دور کرے گا، اللہ قیامت کے دن اس کی مشکل دور کرے گا۔ جو مسلمان کی پردہ پوشی کرے گا، اللہ قیامت کے دن اس کی پردہ پوشی کرے گا۔”
Reference of the Hadith
This Hadith is recorded in both Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith number 2442) and Sahih Muslim (Hadith number 2580), indicating its high authenticity as agreed upon by both Imams Bukhari and Muslim (Muttafaqun Alayhi).
Key Lessons from the Hadith
Fulfilment of Needs
This Hadith teaches that helping others is a source of divine assistance. When a Muslim aids a fellow believer in need, Allah promises to fulfil the helper’s own needs.
Relief from Distress
Supporting someone during hardship is highly valued in Islam. The Hadith assures that those who ease the troubles of others will find relief from their difficulties in the Hereafter.
Protecting Each Other’s Privacy
Preserving the dignity and privacy of others is emphasized. By concealing the faults of a fellow Muslim, one’s faults will be shielded by Allah on the Day of Judgment.
Believers are Like a Body
Hadith in English
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are like one body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim
Hadith in Arabic
عن النعمان بن بشير رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: مَثَلُ المُؤْمِنِينَ فِي تَوَادِّهِمْ وَتَرَاحُمِهِمْ وَتَعَاطُفِهِمْ مَثَلُ الجَسَدِ، إِذَا اشْتَكَى مِنْهُ عُضْوٌ، تَدَاعَى لَهُ سَائِرُ الجَسَدِ بِالسَّهَرِ وَالحُمَّى
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت نعمان بن بشیر رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا، “مومنوں کی آپس کی محبت، رحمت اور ہمدردی ایک جسم کی طرح ہے۔ جب جسم کا کوئی حصہ درد میں ہوتا ہے تو پورا جسم بے چینی اور بخار میں مبتلا ہوتا ہے۔”
Reference of the Hadith
This Hadith is also found in the collections of both Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, which adds to its credibility as an authentic teaching.
Key Lessons from the Hadith
Unity and Empath
This Hadith highlights the necessity for Muslims to care for one another. A true Muslim community operates like a single entity, where each member feels the joy or pain of others.
Mutual Support
Muslims are encouraged to be sensitive to each other’s hardships, reflecting a commitment to unity. The well-being of one member affects the entire community, illustrating the value of interconnectedness.
Encouragement of Compassion
The Hadith serves as a call to show compassion towards each other. Muslims are to embody mercy and kindness, fostering a supportive environment for all.
Help Your Brother, Whether He is an Oppressor or Oppressed
Hadith in English
Anas ibn Malik reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, we know how to help him if he is oppressed, but how can we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.”
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 2444
Hadith in Arabic
عن أنس بن مالك رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: انْصُرْ أَخَاكَ ظَالِمًا أَوْ مَظْلُومًا، قَالُوا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، هَذَا نَنْصُرُهُ مَظْلُومًا، فَكَيْفَ نَنْصُرُهُ ظَالِمًا؟ قَالَ: تَمْنَعُهُ مِنَ الظُّلْمِ
Hadith in Urdu
حضرت انس بن مالک رضی اللہ عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا، “اپنے بھائی کی مدد کرو، چاہے وہ ظالم ہو یا مظلوم۔” صحابہ نے عرض کیا، “اے اللہ کے رسول، ہم مظلوم کی مدد کیسے کریں؟” رسول اللہ نے فرمایا، “اسے ظلم سے روک کر۔”
Reference of the Hadith
This Hadith is found in Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith number 2444), one of the most reliable collections of Hadith, giving it high authenticity.
Key Lessons from the Hadith
Role in Stopping Injustice
Helping an oppressor by stopping them from committing injustice is a unique approach in Islam. It underscores the responsibility to ensure that fellow believers act justly.
Responsibility Towards Community
Muslims are reminded of their duty to maintain justice within the community. This teaching urges active involvement in guiding others away from harm.
Active Engagement in Brotherhood
Brotherhood involves more than support during difficulty. It includes guiding each other towards righteousness, even if it means correcting a friend or family member.
Conclusion
Brotherhood is an essential component of Islamic life, calling for empathy, support, and justice among Muslims. The Hadiths discussed above shed light on the various aspects of brotherhood, urging believers to uplift each other, act justly, and share each other’s burdens. Brotherhood encourages Muslims to create a harmonious, compassionate community, embodying the teachings of Islam in every interaction. Practicing brotherhood as taught by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) not only strengthens communal bonds but also nurtures personal growth and piety.