Muharramat: Abandoning a Muslim Brother

As muslims we make one ummah. We are united by a bond that runs deep in our hearts, our brotherhood/sisterhood is not a mere friendship. Our connection is a relationship based on faith, it is an attachment in which each hopes the best for each other; that is paradise. May Allah unite us all there, in its highest levels.

We all are aware of Shaytaan, and his attempts to break us. He tampers with our unity, in order to divide the ummah, weaken the iman and make each of us lose the rewards and blessings of Allah. It may seem like a small grudge, but Shaytaan is well-aware of its consequences!

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “It is not permitted for a muslim to forsake his brother, for more than three (days), whoever does this and dies, will enter hell.” (Abu-Dawud)

It has always been the goal of Shaytaan to make us lose our place in Jannah. He has been denied it, and now he wants to make us deviate from the straight path.

With Ramadaan just gone, it’s upon our shoulders to fix up our ties.

In another narration, the Prophet (peace be upon) him said, “It is not permissible for a man to forsake his brother for more than three nights, each turning away if they meet. The better of the two is the one who is the first to greet the other with salaam.” (Bukhari)

Such a simple act of kindness, saying salaam, can save you from the fire of hell. Ramadaan is an opportunity for us to save ourselves from the fire, but it is no use, if you are engaged in forsaking your brother, and dooming yourself to the flames.

“The deeds of the people are shown to Allah twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays; He forgives all His believing slaves, except for the one between whom and his brother is enmity. He says, leave these two until they reconcile.” (Muslim)

The benefits of returning to one’s brother, is many. Not only do you get to enjoy his companionship, but Allah will look at your deeds, and will save you from the fire. Moreover, Anas bin Malik mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “whoever would like his rizq (provision) to be increased and his life to be extended should uphold the ties of kinship.” (Bukhari and Muslim) So, upholding the ties of kinship, will grant you a longer life, and thus the opportunity to engage in more righteous deeds, and increases you provision.

Sometimes a person may be deserving of being ignored, if they are engaged in some sin, such as abandoning the salah. If staying away from them will make them realise their errors, then it is permissible to do so. However, if it will make things worse, then it is better to treat him kindly, advise him and remind him.

As muslims, we care for not only ourselves but the wider community of muslims brothers and sisters across the globe. We respect each other and maintain a healthy relationship. We encourage each other towards the good, and forbid the evil.

May Allah unite us all in Jannah tul Firdaws.