SIX RIGHTS OF A MUSLIM UPON A MUSLIM



Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "No one of you shall become
a true believer until he desires for his brother what he desires for
himself." (Bukhari) Surely the best way for us to please our brother is
to place him high in our estimation and do for him what we would like
for ourselves. The Prophet gave us comprehensive direction on how to
sustain brotherhood. He said: "There are six rights of a Muslim upon a
Muslim:…"

Ø    "…When you meet him, greet him;…"  With a warm smile, a friendly
face and As-Salaam Alaykum is the best way to meet a brother. We must
avoid picking and choosing whom we confer this basic right upon. All
Muslims regardless of their social status and position in society should be
afforded this "gateway" into our personal space. The Salaam is the best
of icebreakers as it immediately brings down the barriers that we
unconsciously erect around ourselves to shield us from alien invasion"

Ø   "…when he invites you, respond to him;…"  When a Muslim brother
invites you to a celebration, you are obliged to go, even if he didn't
attend the Eid celebration you had last year. Accepting an invitation for
a wedding celebration or the naming of a child is about sharing in the
joys of a brother as well as joining with other Muslims in a social
gathering.

Ø    "…when he seeks counsel, give him advice;…"  When a brother comes
to you with a problem, seeking advice, give him what he requires even
if it means that you are undermining yourself in the process. Remember,
you desire the best for him, don't you? Be sincere in your advice.
Never take what has been told to you in confidence to another person except
to demonstrate a point; even then, his identity must not be disclosed
or alluded to.

Ø   "…when he sneezes and praises Allah, say to him: `May Allah have
mercy on you (Yarhamuk-Allah)'…" . When a Muslim sneezes, yawns, lets one
go, or even when he trips and he remembers to praise Allah, we must
respond to him with a prayer for Allah to have mercy on him. If we find a
brother either negligent or ignorant of the need to praise Allah in all
things, then we must set him right as far as his responsibility to
himself and to others. The lesson is: praise Allah in all condition and
appreciate the one who does this!

Ø    "…when he is sick, visit him… When you go and visit a sick
brother, take a small gift along with you that will help lift his spirits. If
you are unable to afford a gift, then ensure that you go armed with
words of encouragement and hope from the Qur'an and Sunnah. Don't be put
off by the fact that the brother is much more learned than you – you are
there to lift his spirits, not to compete against him. Pray for him and
let him pray for you too.

Ø    and when he dies, follow his funeral…"  Attending the last rites
of a brother is of utmost importance. Speaking well of him and seeking
forgiveness for him will ease his condition in the grave with regards to
questioning, bliss and punishment. Upon following him to the grave, one
should now not turn his back on (abandon) him. Not abandoning him after
his death is to take care of his families, remembering him in du'aa
regularly, and doing sadaqah (charity) on his behalf.

Taken From : Islam 1 God 1 Religion 1 Truth group.