By Abdullah Jawad Rasul
Many people are very enthusiastic about the noble cause of calling non-Muslims to Islam. Whenever a person accepts Islam in the masjid, everyone rejoices. Everyone is willing to support projects and sponsor literature for dawah. All Muslims are ready to unite for such a cause; however, most of our communities are themselves in need of dawah. Though we are very pleasant and helpful to “Rob” who works with us, we forget to smile at Ibrahim who takes care of the masjid. Our professors find us so pleasant while our parents are victims of our abuse. We also focus much in ibaadah and forget what should follow. Many of our eyes flow with tears behind the imaam but as soon as he says salaam, we turn around and yell at the brother who brought his four years old son to the masjid. This is indeed the paradox that exists or even dominates the Muslims living here in the west.
The obligation that deserves higher priority, however, is to display good manners towards our own brothers and sisters in Islam. Rasulullah (sallah Allahu Aleyhi wasallam) said: “I was sent to perfect noble character (akhlaaq)”. Rasulullah also informed us that the heaviest deed on the Balance is that of good character.
Though the manners of the sahabah are the ideal manners, it is unrealistic for society to transform overnight. Instead transformation comes gradually step by step. The first step in our times can be to remind ourselves the rights that we owe each other and actually fulfill them. Thus, it is for this reason that the rights of Muslims upon other Muslims are being presented as a noble reminder to fulfill our duties to Muslims and bring the Ukhuwwah (brotherhood) back.
Rights of Muslims upon each other:
· Either initiate Salaam or return it: This is a right of all Muslims regardless of who we know and whom we know not. The younger person should strive to initiate the greeting to the older person, the common or layman should greet the Scholar or Imaam or Leader, the individual should greet the group, the rider should greet the one walking and the one who enters should greet the one already present.
The Companions of the Prophet used to greet each other even if separated by a barrier for a moment. And the two Muslims who greet each other and shake hands do not part except that there (minor) sins are forgiven. We also learn from the Prophetic guidance that we should not respond to the person who starts without starting with Salaam. Muslims shouldn’t say their Salaams while frowning or in an angry mood since As-Salaam is a name of Allah and saying it is dhikr (remembrance of Allah) which should be done in a peaceful manner. Muslims should shake hands and make cheerful eye contact to fulfill the true nature of the salaam.
· If a Muslim sneezes and praises Allah, invoke Allah’s mercy on him/her:
When a Muslim becomes ill, visit him/her. We should make duaa for them, try to cheer them up, remind them that their sins are being forgiven, and try not to depress them further by giving them any bad news. If it is not a burden, taking a gift for them is something that will please them and is recommended.
· Attend the funerals of those Muslims who pass away. And make duaa for them.
· If a Muslim extends his/her invitation, accepting except with a valid excuse: Some scholars have specified this for the invitation of a waleemah but others say it is general and refers to all invitations formal or informal. Valid reasons for rejection are: haram being involved in this invitation, conflict of time with a prior invitation, or another issue which requires priority.
· Giving sincere advice: This applies to those who ask for it and those who do not. Rasulullah (sallahAllahu Aleyhi wasallam) advised the Muslims to help their brothers/sisters, whether they are oppressed or oppressors and indeed the oppressors are helped by being stopped. Thus when we see others in need of advice, we shouldn’t shy away; rather we should realize that it is right they have upon us. Wisdom, however, must be used in this lest a bigger problem arises.
· Loving for our brothers/sisters what we love for ourselves: and hating for them what we hate for ourselves. When we sell things to our brothers because we don’t like it for ourselves anymore, we should tell them that “I wouldn’t want it for myself” and the reason for that. Sometimes it becomes hard to put our brothers in front of us. We can make it easy by realizing that if we value our imaan/belief, we should value those who believe the same. Looking at our brothers as our supporters and fellow slaves of Allah facing a similar struggle, will also help us as opposed to looking at them as just another human being.
In conclusion, Rassulallah said that it is enough evil for a person to look down upon his/her brother/sister. It is hoped that this article will inspire us to pick up what we dropped and enable us to rise above the level we are at. May Allah accept this from us and be pleased with us and allow us the company of the highest companion. Ameen.
