Brotherhood In Islam

Often in life we are blinded by what we call it as worldly desires. Greed, Invidiousness, Envy, Hatred are amongst those may factors that existed in our community these days. We let our desires, nafs and emotions take control of our life that we forget our responsibility of being Vicegerent (Khalifah) of Allah in this world. Why should there be quarrels amongst us? Why should there be backstabbing and gossiping amongst us? Why should there be criticism amongst us? Is that what we are told to do here? Where lays the true meaning of brotherhood and friendship? It’s dispiriting to see that such acts of malevolence existed among us, in social institutions, youth and other community associations. Why can’t all of us work hand in hand to help the community? Doesn’t matter if its your idea, my idea, his idea, her idea, as long it benefits the community and the ummah, why not? Wake up my dear brothers and sisters in Islam… Stop condemning, Start working. Perform your responsibilities as a vicegerent of Allah s.w.t.

Humans are social creatures by nature, always in need of friends and companions. Most of our lives depend on interaction with others. Strong individuals are the core of a strong community, something that we Muslims should always strive for. So it’s important for these strong individuals to remain strong and united hoping in return others would follow their footsteps and be strong as well.

We all know that Allah s.w.t the Most High has brought us to life in order to test us. Thus we are here for a relatively short period of time and that we shall meet Allah (SWT) one Day, so we need to use our present life for what is best for us in the hereafter. Once we know our purpose and our goal in life, we should seek ways to achieve them so as to benefit our own selves.

In an authentic Hadith, Prophet Muhammas (pbuh) said: "Man is influenced by the faith of his friends. Therefore, be careful of whom you associate with."

Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) who has the most noble character and dealings with fellow humans gave us a very clear and simple message and advice in regard to friendship.

How should we choose our friends? We should choose friends that believe and abide by our religion (Islam) and gives great respect to what Allah (SWT) and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has ordered us. And we should stay away from that who is not well mannered and gives no attention to what Islam is about or what pleases or displeases Allah (SWT), for he will surely affect us negatively. There is no good in the companion drowns us in sins and displeasing Allah (SWT).

In another Hadith, Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) said: "The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows. So as for the seller of musk then either he will grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith's bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an offensive smell from him."

When choosing our friends we should ask ourselves first: Are they going to help us achieve the purpose for which we were brought to life? Or will they take us away from it? Will they desire for us Allah (SWT)'s pleasure or is that completely irrelevant to them and not their concern at all? Are they leading us to Paradise or to the Hell?

What are friends for? Shoulders to cry on, share your stories, play soccer, and have someone to entertain you and such……. What else? As Muslims, let’s relate to Surah Al-Araf 7:172,

"When thy Lord drew forth from the Children of Adam― from their loins― their descendants, and made
them testify concerning themselves, (saying): "Am I not your Lord (who cherishes and sustains you)?"― They said: "Yea! we do testify!" (This), lest ye should say on the Day of Judgment: "of this we were never mindful." (172)"

We should remind one another of our oath taken as what was told in the verse above, when all Ruh were gathered in front of Allah s.w.t.

Allah wants you to be responsible to do three things as His Vicegerent (Khalifah): make yourself good, help others become good, and make the physical world good (clean and beautiful for Allah).

Have you done that?