SIX RIGHTS OF A MUSLIM UPON A MUSLIM

SIX RIGHTS OF A MUSLIM UPON A MUSLIM
In a world filled with selfishnes sand the unending pursuit of wealth and all commoditie s to fulfil our desires, it becomes important to remind ourselves of the rights every Muslim has upon another. Whether we know that particular Muslim or not, the fact that she/he is a Muslim, they automatica lly have certain rights over us.
Allah’s Messenger Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam 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/si ster is to place him/her high in our estimation and do for him/her what we would like for ourselves. The Prophet gave us comprehens ive directions on how to sustain brotherhoo d. He Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “There are six rights of a Muslim upon a Muslim;..”
1) “When you meet him, greet him” With a warm smile, a friendly face and As-Salaam Alaykum we should try to greet every Muslim. We must avoid picking and choosing whom we confer this basic right upon. All Muslims regardless of their socialstat us and position in society should be afforded this “gateway” into our personal space. The Salaam is the best of icebreaker s as it immediatel y brings down the barriers that we unconsciou sly erect around ourselves to shield us from “alien invasion”.
2) “When he invites you, respond to him;” When a Muslim brother invites you to a function, you are obliged to go. Accepting an invitation is about sharing in the joys of a brother as well as joining with other Muslims in a social gathering.
3) “When he seeks counsel, give him good advice” When a brother comes to you with a problem, seeking advice, give him true advice. Be sincere in your advice. Give such advice that would keep his best interestat heart.
4) “When he sneezes and praisesAll ah, say to him: `May Allah havemercy on you (Yarhamuk- Allah)’”Wh en a Muslim sneezes or even when hetrips and he rememberst o praiseAllah, we must respondto him with a prayer for Allah to have mercy on him.
5) “When he is sick, visit him” When you go and visit a sick brother, remember to pray for him and do not inconvenie nce him by staying too long.
6) “When he dies, follow his funeral” Attending the last rites of a brother is of utmost importance . Speaking well of himand seeking forgivenes s for him will ease his condition in thegrave. In turn, when you die, others will also feel for you and make du’a sincerely for your forgivenes s.
If we can fulfil these basic rightsof Muslims, it is hoped thatmuchof the envy, malice and hatred inthe society will vanish – Insha Allah