A Collection of Sayings onBrotherhood in IslamChecked by Abu Khadeejah Al Jazaairee

Compiled by Rami Abu Al Saud

ContentsForward 1Biography of Abu Khadeejah Al-Jazaairee 2Introduction 3The Creed for True Brotherhood 4The Rights Owed to Your Brothers 6Getting to Know Brothers 9Choosing Your Companions 11Meeting & Greeting Your Brother 14Being a Good Companion 16Gestures of Affection & Friendship 17Giving Gifts 20Taking Care of Your Brother 21Loving Your Brothers 22Being Caring & Considerate 25Supplicating for Your Brother 26Joking with Brothers 28Advising your Brother 29When Problems Arise 31Forgiving & Seeking Forgiveness 37Being Alone Without Companions 39Ab Bakr Al-Siddq A True Friend 40Stories of Brotherhood from the Salaf 41The Concept of Soulmates 44Brothers In Jannah 45

1ForwardI have read your book and I found it very beneficial and interesting, as it offers greatadvice particularly in the current state of the lack of unity amongst us.

It is a really touching and amazing reminder as well as a warning to those whohave lost any sense of brotherhood.

It gives an impressive and strong message to hold onto the teaching of Islam.

Abu Khadeejah Al-Jazaairee

2Biography of Abu Khadeejah Al-JazaaireeMiftah Muhammad Arqoob Abu Khadeejah Al-Jazairee was born in West Algeria, near Oran. Hespent six years at Wahran University where he attained the equivalent of a Masters Degree. Hecombined Sociology, Administration, Literature and Islamic Studies. Allah Subhan-nahu wa Taala enabled him to come to England where he met a Sunni Iraqi scholar named AbuAbdur-Rahman Salmaan who has a Ph.D in Islamic Studies and now lectures at a University inQatar. He studied with him for nearly 3 years, before the issues in the scholars manhaj becameapparent.

Abu Khadeejah has visited Makkah and Medinah on various occasions where he has met majorand senior scholars such as: Shaykh SalihAl-Fawzan, Shaykh Rabee Al-Madkhali, ShaykhMu-hammad Hassan Al-Banna, Shaykh WasseeAllah Abbass, Shaykh Ahmad Bazmoul, ShaykhAbdur-Rahman Al-Ajlan, Shaykh Muhammad Al-Ajlan, Shaykh Abdullah Al-Bukhari inMadinah,Shaykh Saeed Al-Bukhari in Makkah, Shaykh Ibraheem Ruhaylee, Shaykh UbaydAl-Jaabiri,Shaykh Salih As-Suhaymee, ShaykhAhmad An-Najmee, Shaykh Salih Al-Luhaydan, Shaykh Ab-dul-Muhsin Al-Abbad Muhaddith,Shaykh Muhammad Al-Ethiopee, Shaykh ZaydAl-Madkhali,Shaykh Saalim At-Taweel from Kuwait and Shaykh Falah Ismail from Kuwait. He has met around30 scholars.

He has been the Imam (leading five daily salaah and giving khutbah) at Cricklewood Mosque Al-Furqaan and at Dar Al-Iman Mosque. Every year he participates in national (summer and winter)dawah in different languages in Cranford, Shepherds Bush, Wembley, Slough, Harrow Birming-ham, Bristol and Cardiff. At the moment he teaches in Wembley, Cranford and Shepherds BushMosques. Currently the noble brother regularly delivers lectures at mosques, colleges and univer-sities for brothers and sisters, Muslims and non-Muslims in Arabic, English and French. In addi-tion, the brother answers questions by email and phone and does counselling for family issues.

Abu Khadeejah has written two books about Tafseer and Fiqh in Arabic and is currently in theprocess of writing more books, which will be translated in to English in shaaa Allah.

He is preparing a PhD in Ahadith, Arabic Sciences and Usool al Fiqh for Asyoot University (basedin Egypt) branch in Oxford University.

Written by Abu Al Ula Al-Ansaary (HekmatBin Ataya) (Edited)29th of Rajab 1432

3IntroductionI compiled this book because I felt that as a Muslim in this Ummah, brotherhood is aquality we are lacking in amongst each other, despite the great display of brotherhood bythe salaf amongst themselves.

I advise myself, then you to fear Allah in these matters and not to fear the people and howthey perceive the affections practised by the salaf of brotherhood, but to adhere to the truebrotherhood of the Salaf and to practise and revive the brotherhood they shared amongstthemselves as much as possible in our daily lives.

I advise myself, then you to be the first to initiate the friendship, to make the effort, to givethe gift, to increase the love for the sake of Allah and to apologise and leaveargumentation, to be careful in these affairs, to love your brother greater than he lovesyou, to be the first to show affection and regularly do so and to treat each other withkindness, love and affection as the Prophet Muhammed taught us.

I am grateful to Allah that He has allowed me to complete this task and achieve somethingthat I have always wished to accomplish.

I ask Allah to increase the Muslims in brotherhood and love for the sake of Allah.

Your brotherRami Abu Al Saud

4The Creed for True BrotherhoodShaykh Salem al-Hilaalee speaks about the companions of the prophet Muhammed and

And He has united their (i.e. believers') hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, youcould not have united their hearts, but Allah has united them. Certainly He is All-Mighty,All-Wise. (al-Anfaal 8/63).

This miracle, possible only for Allah, occurred and it could occur only with this aqeedah(creed). These hearts which were averse and these headstrong dispositions changed andthey became a closely united group of amenable brothers, loving one another and unitedin a companionship of a level unknown in history, the like of which has not been upon theearth.

Indeed this aqeedah (creed) is truly a source of amazement. When it enters the hearts itproduces a mixture of love, companionship and affection between hearts which it causesto become tender and sensitive, it ties them with a bond that is strong, profound andgentle. So that the glance of an eye, the touch of a hand, and the beat of the heart containrealities of mutual compassion and mutual acquaintance, mutual friendship and alliance,mutual aid, liberality and forbearance whose secrets is not known except by the One whothrough His mercy, united these hearts and these things are not experienced except bythese hearts. (From the book: Love and Hate for the sake of Allah by Shaykh Saleem al-Hilaalee).

The Prophet said, "A faithful believer to a faithful believer is like the bricks of a wall,enforcing each other." While (saying that) the Prophet clasped his hands, by interlacing hisfingers. (Narrated Abu Musa, Sahih Bukhari Volume 1, Book 8, Number 468).

their journey to attaining true brotherhood for the sake of Allah. Through Allahs mercy,He gathered the hearts of the believers upon obedience to Him and united them upon theway (manhaj) which He prescribed:

5Al-Fawzaan says in explanation: "So the believers from the first of the creation until thelast of them whether they are distant by their countries or distant throughout the ages oftime are loving brothers guiding the latter of them by the former of them supplicating onefor the other seeking forgiveness one for the other." (Muhaadhiraat Fil Aqeedah wa Ad-Dawah pg.257-258 v. 1).

Ibn `Umar reported that the messenger said: "A Muslim is a brother of (another)Muslim, he neither wrongs him nor does he hand him over to one who does him wrong. Ifanyone fulfils his brother's needs, Allah will fulfil his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of histroubles, Allah will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection; and if anyone coversup a Muslim (his sins), Allah will cover him up (his sins) on the Resurrection Day".(Bukhari/Muslim, Riyad-us-Saliheen Chapter 29 Hadith 244).

And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. this Quran), and be not dividedamong yourselves, and remember Allah's Favour on you, for you were enemies one toanother but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren (inIslamic Faith), and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. ThusAllah makes His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.,) clear toyou, that you may be guided. (The Family of Imran 3:103).

6The Rights Owed to Your BrothersA Muslim owes six obligations towards another Muslim: Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu)narrated that the Messenger of Allah said, The rights of the Muslim upon the Muslimare six. It was said, And what are they Oh Messenger of Allah? He replied, When youmeet him, give him the greeting of peace, when he invites you, respond to his invitation,when he seeks your advice, advise him, when he sneezes and praises Allah, supplicate formercy upon him, when he becomes ills, visit him, and when he dies follow him (attend hisfuneral).

Ash-Shaikh Abdur-Rahmaan As-Sadees explanation of the hadith regarding theMuslims rights: This hadith was reported by Muslim. These six rights, whoever establishesthem in dealing with the Muslims, then his establishing things other than them (from theobligations) are even more important (or necessary). And his doing these things results inhim fulfilling these obligations and rights, which contain an abundance of good andtremendous reward from Allah.

The First Right:When you meet him, give him the greeting of peace. For verily the greeting of peace is acause of love, which results in producing faith (Al-Eemaan), which results in the personentering the Paradise.

This is as Prophet said, By the one in Whose Hand is my soul, you all will not enter intothe Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love each other. Shall Inot direct you to something that if you do it, you will love each other? Spread the greetingof peace amongst yourselves.

The greeting of peace is from the virtuous characteristics of Islaam. For verily each of thetwo people who meet each other supplicates for the other for safety from evils, and mercy,and blessing that brings about every good. And what follows this is a cheerful face andappropriate words of greeting which result in unity and love, and it removes feelings ofestrangement and cold disassociation. Thus, giving the greeting of peace is the right of theMuslim, and it is obligatory upon the person who is greeted to return greeting with asimilar greeting or one that is better than it. And the best of the people are those who startthe greeting of peace first.

7The Second Right:When he invites you, respond to his invitation. This means that when he invites you withan invitation to some food and drink, then fulfils the request of your brother who hasdrawn near to you and honoured you with the invitation. Respond to his invitation (i.e.accept it), unless you have an excuse.

The Third Right:His statement, And when he seeks your advice, advise him. This means that if he seeksconsultation with you regarding some action, as to whether he should do it or not, thenadvise him with that which you would like for yourself. Thus, if the action is somethingthat is beneficial in all aspects, then encourage him to do that, and if it is somethingharmful, then warn him against it. And if the action contains both benefit and harm, thenexplain that to him and weigh the benefits against the harms. Likewise, if he consults withyou concerning some dealing with someone among the people, or whether he shouldmarry a woman off to someone, or whether he should marry someone, then extend yourpure and sincere advice to him, and deal with him from the view point of what you woulddo for you own self. And avoid deceiving him in any matter of these things. For verilywhoever deceives the Muslims, then he is not of them, and indeed he has left off theobligation of being sincere and advising. And this sincerity and advising is absolutelyobligatory, however it becomes more emphasized when the person seeks your advice andhe requests from you that you give him a beneficial opinion. For this reason the Prophet specifically mentioned it in this important situation.

The Fourth Right:And when he sneezes and praises Allah, then pray for mercy upon him. This is due to thefact that sneezing is a favour from Allah, in the expelling of this congested air that isblocked in certain parts of the body of the human being. Allah makes it easy for this air tohave a passage out where it can exit, and thus the sneezing person feels relief. Thus, theProphet legislated that the person praise Allah for this favour, and he legislated for his(Muslim) brother to say to him, May Allah have mercy upon you. He also commandedthe person who sneezed to answer his (Muslim) brother by saying to him, May Allahguide you and set right your affairs. Therefore, whoever does not praise Allah, then hedoes not deserve for others to pray for mercy upon him, and in this case he cannot blameanyone except himself. For he is the one who has caused himself to lose the two blessings:the blessing of praising Allah, and the blessing of his brothers supplication for him that isa result of the praising.

8The Fifth Right:His statement, And when he becomes ill, visit him. Visiting the sick is from the rights ofthe Muslim, and especially for the person who has a highly stressed and emphasized rightupon you, like the relative, and the friend, and so forth. It is from the best of the righteousdeeds. And whoever visits his Muslim brother, he remains engulfed in the mercy (ofAllah), and when he sits with him the mercy (of Allah) covers him. And whoever visits thesick Muslim at the beginning of the day, the Angels send prayers of blessing upon himuntil evening comes, and whoever visits him at the end of the day, the Angels send prayersof blessing upon him until morning comes. It is desired for the person who visits the sickto supplicate for him to be cured and to make him feel at ease. He should ease his worriesby giving him glad tidings of well-being and recovery (i.e. be positive). He should remindhim of repentance and turning to Allah, and he should give him beneficial admonition. Heshould not sit with him too long (i.e. over staying his welcome), rather he should only sitwith him long enough fulfil the right of visiting, unless the sick person is positivelyaffected by many people coming in to see him and many people coming to sit with him.Thus, for each situation there is a different statement (i.e. advice on how to deal with it).

The Sixth Right:His statement, And if he dies, follow him (his funeral). For verily whoever follows thefuneral until the deceaseds body is prayed over, then he will receive a Qeeraat of reward.(Note: A Qeeraat is an amount equivalent to the size of the Mountain of Uhud inMadinah.) And if he follows the funeral procession until the body is buried, then he willreceive two Qeeraats of reward. And following the funeral procession contains (fulfilmentof) a right for Allah, a right for the deceased, and a right for the living relatives of thedeceased.

(Bahjatu Quloob il-Abraar wa Qurratu Uyoon il-Akhyaar fee Jaami il-Akhbaar, pp. 65-67, hadith no. 29).

9Getting to Know BrothersIndeed a person walks alongside and accompanies the one whom he loves and who is likehim. Ibn Masood , Al-Ibaanah, (2/476).

Al-Amash said, The Salaf Our Predecessors would not ask anything more about a personthan, who he walks with, who he visits, and who he associates with amongst the people.Al-Ibaanah, 2/478. (Lumm ad-Durr al-Manthoor on the subject of Companionship).

Yahyaa bin Katheer said, "Sulaimaan bin Daawood (peace be upon him) said: Do not pass ajudgement over anyone with anything until you see whom he befriends." (Al-Ibaanah(2/464)).

Abu Qilaabah said, "May Allah fight the poet (an Arabic expression of amazement) whosaid: Do not ask about a man, but ask about his companion. For every person guideshimself by his companion. This poetry is by Adee bin Zaid, and al-Asmaee said about it, "Ihave never seen a line of poetry which resembles the Sunnah more than this saying ofAdee bin Zaid." Al-Ibaanah (2/439).

Bakr bin Muhammad Al-'Abid said: Dawud At-Ta'i said to me: 'O Bakr! Be cautious withpeople, as you are cautious of beasts of prey." (Raudhatu Al-'Uqalaa', p.82 Road to GoodFriendship By Abdul Malik Al-Qasim).

Sufyaan ath-Thawree longed for the past and searched far and wide for a brother whoresembled - in his speech, deeds and character - the companions of the Prophet .'Abdul-'Azeez ibn Abaan reported that he heard ath-Thawree say, "Above all other things,the one thing that I found to benefit a person most in this world and the hereafter is asuitable brother (friend)." (Biography of Sufyaan ath-Thawree p.143).

Sufyan ibn Uyaynah said, It used to be said that it is better for you to have a righteousenemy than a corrupt friend, for the iman of your righteous enemy will restrain him fromharming you or doing something to you that you do not like, whereas the corrupt friendwill not care what he does to you. (Biography of Imam Sufyan Ibn Uyaynah. P.233).

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Ibn Jarir relates from ibn Abbas: "Whoever loves but for Allah, and whoever hates but forAllah, Whoever befriends but for Allah, would obtain Allah's friendship. No matter howoften he prays or how long he fasts, man will not taste the sweetness of Iman, unless thisdescription becomes true of him. Most people befriend their Friends but for the world,(Not for Allah), which is utterly worthless." (Kitab At Tawheed Pg. 95).

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Choosing Your CompanionsIbn Shawdhab said: Verily, it is from the bounty of Allah upon a youth that when hedevotes himself to worship, he befriends a person of the Sunnah who carries him upon it.(Al-Laalikaaee in Sharh Usool ul-Itiqaad, 30).

Abu ad-Dardaa (radi Allahu anhu) said, "It is from the fiqh (understanding of a person)that he (chooses) those whom he walks with, whom he enters upon (visits) and whom hesits with." Al-Ibaanah (2/477).

Ahmad ibn Harb (rahimahullh) said, There is nothing more beneficial to a Muslimsheart than to mix with the righteous and to watch their actions, while nothing is moreharmful to the heart than mixing with the sinners and watching their actions. (Siyar Alamal Nubala of Imaam ad-Dhahabee).

Bishr Ibn al-Haarith said: "Look at the person who has the most piety, chastity and purestearnings from the people then accompany him and do not sit with the one who will nothelp you upon your life in the hereafter." (ash-Shu'ab, p. 9059).

Uthmaan Ibn Hakeem said: Befriend the one who is above you in the religion and belowyou in the worldly life. (As-Samt, of Ibn Abee Dunyaa, p.45).

Ibn al-Qayyim: "If you want to know what's inside the heart of a person you should listento what comes out from his mouth." (ad-Da', p.185).

Mu'adh bin Jabal: Stay away from a companionship that does not benefit you withknowledge. (Adab Shar'iyyah 4/232).

Asmaa bint Yazeed (radi Allahu anhaa) reported that the Prophet said: Shall I tell youwho the best of you is? They replied: Yes. He said: Those who remind you of Allahwhen you see them. He went on to say: Shall I tell you about the most evil ones fromamongst you? They said: Of course. He said: Those who go around with Nameemah.They make enmity between friends and they seek problems for the innocent. (Musnad ofImaam Ahmad and Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (323) and graded as Hasan byShaikh al-Albani).

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There is a phrase that is constantly on the tongues of the Fuqaha (jurists): Repellingsomething is easier than removing it. So, if he requires someone to befriend, let thatperson be righteous, religious, pious, wary, intelligent, full of benefit, having little evil,good at complying, rarely conflicting, reminding him if he forgets, cooperating with himwhen he is reminded, helpful if he is in need, and comforting if he is in distress. (IbnJamaah in Tadhkirat as-Sami wal-Mutakallim).

Ibn Mas'ood (radi Allahu anhu) said, "There wouldn't be any sin upon you if you onlyaccompanied the one who aides you upon the remembrance of Allah." (Min Akhbaaris-Salaf, abridged, p.231).

Shaqq Al-Balakh Allh have mercy on him was once asked, What is the mark of(true) repentance? He replied, Continued crying over past sins, deep fear of falling intothem again, staying away from bad company, and keeping the company of good people.(Ab Bakr Al-Daynr, Al-Mujlasah wa Jawhir Al-Ilm article 2645).

Malik Ibn Dinaar said to his brother in law Mughirah bin Habib: "O' Mughirah! look atevery brother and every friend of yours, every companion of yours who does not benefityou in your deen, then get rid of his companionship. For indeed he is rather an enemy toyou. O' Mughirah! People are of different forms, the pigeons are with pigeons, the crowswith the crows and the wrens with the wrens, each one is with his likeness" (al-Muntaqaamin makaarimi al-Akhlaaq 159).

Al Awzaee said: The friend is like a patch in the garment; if it doesnt resemble the rest ofthe garment it will make it ugly. (Ash-Shuab, 7/9452).

"Whoever does not love Knowledge, then there is no good in him; so there should not beany acquaintance between you and him, nor any friendship." (Malik ibn Anas (radhi

fee Ahkaam al-Fatwa - Page 12).

Ali Ibn Al-Hussein (radi Allahu anhu : "Indeed one only sits with those who benefits himin his deen" (Tahdeeb At-Tahdeeb, 3/396).

Allahu anhu) al-Khateeb in al-Faqeeh wal-Mutafaqqih. Volume 1, Page 15; Mabaahith

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Ibn al-Qayyim said: "Know that the greatest of losses is for you to be preoccupied with onewho will bring you nothing but a loss in your time with Allah - the Mighty and Majestic -and being cut off from Him, a wasting your time with the person, a weakening of yourenergy, and the dispersing of your resolve. So, if you are tested with this - and you must betested with this - deal with him according to how Allah would wish, and be patient withhim as much as possible. Get closer to Allah and His Pleasure by way of this person, andmake your getting together with him something to benefit from, not something to incur aloss from. Be with him as if you are a man who is on a road who was stopped by anotherman, who then asks you to take him on your journey. Make sure that you are the one whogives him a ride, and that he is not the one giving you the ride. If he refuses, and there isnothing to gain from travelling with him, do not stop for him, bid him farewell, and do noteven turn back to look at him, as he is a highway robber, regardless of who he really is. So,save your heart, be wary of how you spend your days and nights, and do not let the Sun setbefore you arrive at your destination." ('al-Wabil as-Sayyib'; p. 45).

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Meeting & Greeting Your Brother

When you are greeted with a greeting, greet in return with what is better than it, or (atleast) return it equally. Certainly, Allah is Ever a Careful Account Taker of all things. (al-Nisa 4:86)

Anas bin Malik said: When the people of Yemen came, the Prophet said: The people ofYemen have come, and they have softer hearts than you, and they were the first people toinitiate the tradition of shaking hands. ('Silsilat al-Ahadith as-Sahihah' 527).

al-Hassan al-Basri rahimahullah said: "Handshaking increases friendliness" (al-MuntaqaaMin Makaarimil Akhlaaq 189).

Al-Bara' ibn 'Azib said: "Part of the full greeting is to shake your brother's hand." (Al-Adabal-Mufrad 968).

A narration traced back to the Prophet of Hudhayfa (radi Allahu anhu): Indeed, if thebeliever meets (another) believer, and gives him the salaam, and takes hold of his handand shakes it, their sins fall off as the leaves of a tree. Al-Mundhuri said (270/3): At-Tabaraani narrated it - Al-Albani.

It was narrated that al-Bara ibn Aazib (may Allah be pleased with him) said: TheMessenger of Allah said: There are no two Muslims who meet and shake hands, butthey will be forgiven before they part. Hasan by al-Tirmidhi (2727); narrated by IbnMaajah (3703); classed as Sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Targheeb, 2718.

Abu Hurairah said the Messenger of Allah said, When one of you meets his brotherthen let him give him the salaam. If a tree, wall or rock divides them then let them give thesalaam upon meeting again. Abu Dawud (Eng. Trans. 3/1435 no. 5181). Its isnaad isSahih consisting of trustworthy and precise narrators. Silsilatus-Sahihah (186).

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Imm Ahmad: "If a person delivers Salaam to you from someone, then it is recommendedto answer: 'Alayka wa 'Alayhi salaam.' (Aadaab ush-Sharee'ah 1/475).

Al-Tufayl b. Ubay b. Kab narrated that he used to come to Abdullh b. Umar and go withhim to the market. He said, Whenever we went to the market, Abdullh b. Umar wouldnever pass a cheap goods merchant, a seller, a poor person or anyone else except that hewould greet them with salms. He continued, So I came to him one day and he asked meto go to the market with him. I said, And what are you going to do at the market? Younever stop to buy anything, you never ask about goods, you never price anything and younever sit in the market gatherings. Sit with us here and we can talk. So he said to me, OAb Batn (i.e. possessor of the belly; Al-Tufayl had a big belly)! We only go out for salms,to greet those we meet. (Bukhari, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Al-Albns Sahh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad Vol. 1 p395).

Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated, the Messenger of Allah said: Donot disparage (underestimate) any good deed (no matter how small it is), even if that deedwas to meet your brother with a cheerful face. Another translations states: Abu Dharrreported: Allah's Apostle said to me: Don't consider anything insignificant out of goodthings even if it is that you meet your brother with a cheerful countenance. (Muslim, Book32, Hadith 6359).

Sheikh Saleem al-Hilaalee says: Know, O brother, that visiting someone too frequently willcause him to tire of it, the more frequently that one visits then the more tired of it he willbecome, likewise visiting but seldomly will be insufficient and will lead to hardening ofthe hearts. Therefore visit your brother now and again. He said: Visit now and again your love will increase. (Sahih; reported by al-bazzaar and others: Sahihul-Jaami).It was said to Muhammad Ibn al-Munkadir: "What is left of your pleasure?" he said:"Meeting up with the brothers and making them feel happy" (al-Bidaaya Wan-Nihaaya,7/297).

Fu'aad Ibn 'Abdul-'azeez ash-Shulhoob: "When two people eat together, they develop asense of love and friendship for one another, and a person should limit those feelings tothose who are righteous." (The book of manners, p.425).

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Being a Good CompanionThe Prophet said, 'The example of a good pious companion and an evil one is that of aperson carrying musk and another blowing a pair of bellows. The one who is carryingmusk will either give you some perfume as a present, or you will buy some from him, oryou will get a good smell from him, but the one who is blowing a pair of bellows willeither burn your clothes or you will get a bad smell from him." (Narrated by Abu Musa inSahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 67, Number 442).

Ibn Hibban writes in Rawdat Al-Uqala: Al-Shaybani mentioned that: It is written in theBooks that: As you treat others, you shall be treated, and the cup you give to others, is thecup you shall drink from. ("Rawdah Al-Uqalaa", 1/126).

Ibn Battaal said: "Politeness is part of the attitude of the believers, and it is lowering thewing of humility to people, speaking gently, and not speaking harshly to them, which areamong the best means of creating harmony" (Fath al-Baari (10/528)).

Aishah (radi Allahu anhaa) said that the Prophet said: Kindness is not to be found inanything but that it adds to its beauty and it is not withdrawn from anything but that itmakes it defective. (Sahih Muslim Book 32 Hadith 6274. (Eng. Trans. Vol. 4, Pg. 1370)).

Al-Bayhaqi narrated that Abu Dharr said: I said, O Messenger of Allah, what will save aperson from Hellfire? He said, Belief in Allah. I said, O Messenger of Allah, are thereare any deeds that should accompany that belief? He said, He should give from thatprovision which Allah has granted him. I said, O Messenger of Allah, what if he is poorand does not have anything to give? He said, He should enjoin what is good and forbidwhat is evil. I said, O Messenger of Allah, what if he cannot enjoin what is good andforbid what is evil? He said, He should help the one who is helpless (i.e., has no skills andcannot earn a learning). I said, What if he himself is helpless and cannot do anything?He said, He should help one who has been wronged. I said, What if he is weak andcannot help one who has been wronged? He said, You do not want to think of yourcompanion as not having any good in him. Let him refrain from harming people. I said,O Messenger of Allah, if he does that, will he enter Paradise? He said, There is nobeliever who does not strive to acquire one of these characteristics, but I will take him bythe hand and lead him into Paradise. (Sahih by al-Albani in al-Targheeb, 876).

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Gestures of Affection & FriendshipAl-Hasan al-Basri would say to his companions: O Ahl as-Sunnah! Be soft with eachother, may Allah have Mercy on you, because you will be the first to fade away. ShaykhHasan bin Husayn (a grandson of Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab), ad-Durar as-Saniyyah (8/91-95).

Narrated Abu Juhaifa: The Prophet made a bond of Brotherhood between Salman al Farsiand Abu Ad-Darda.' Salman paid a visit to Abu Ad-Darda' and found Umm (mother of)Ad-Darda' dressed in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She replied,"Your brother Abu Ad-Darda' is not interested in (the luxuries of) this world." In themeantime Abu Ad-Darda' came and prepared a meal for Salman. Salman requested AbuAd-Darda' to eat (with him), but Abu Ad-Darda' said, "I am fasting." Salman said, "I am notgoing to eat unless you eat." So, Abu Ad-Darda' ate (with Salman). When it was night and(a part of the night passed), Abu Ad-Darda' got up (to offer the night prayer), but Salmantold him to sleep and Abu Ad-Darda' slept. After sometime Abu Ad-Darda' again got upbut Salman told him to sleep. When it was the last hours of the night, Salman told him toget up then, and both of them offered the prayer. Salman told Abu Ad-Darda', "Your Lordhas a right on you, your soul has a right on you, and your family has a right on you; so youshould give the rights of all those who has a right on you." Abu Ad-Darda' came to theProphet and narrated the whole story. The Prophet said, "Salman has spoken the truth."(Sahih Bukhari, Book 31 Hadith 189).

Abu Hurairah said: The Messenger of Allah observed: He who believes in Allah and theLast Day should either speak good or remain silent; and he who believes in Allah and theLast Day should treat his neighbour with kindness and he who believes in Allah and theLast Day should show hospitality to his guest. (Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 0075).

Anas (radi Allahu anhu) said, The Companions of the Prophet would shake handsupon meeting each other and would hug each other upon arriving from a journey.Reported by at-Tabaraanee in al-Awsat and its narrators are the narrators of the Sahihas mentioned by al-Mundharee (3/270) and al-Haythamee (8/36).

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Jaabir bin Abdullaah said: A hadith reached me from a man who heard it from theMessenger of Allah. So I bought a camel and set out on a journey. I travelled for onemonth until I reached Shaam and came across (the residence of) Abdullah bin Anees, so Isaid to the doorman, Say to him that Jaabir is at the door. The doorman further asked,Ibn Abdullah? I replied Yes! So he came out trampling over his clothes, then he huggedme and I hugged him. (Bukhari reported in al-Adab al-Mufrad 970 and Ahmed 3/495).

It was narrated from Awn ibn Abi Juhayfah that his father said: When Jafar came after hehad migrated to Abyssinia, the Prophet embraced him and kissed him between the eyes(his forehead). (Narrated by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer (2/108); with many corroboratingreports which were mentioned by al-Haafiz ibn Hajar in al-Talkhees al-Habeer, 4/96/ itwas classed as Sahih by Shaykh al-Albani in al-Silsilah al-Sahihah, 2657).

Imam al-Baghawi said after mentioning the hadith of Jafar: With regard to the kind ofembracing and kissing that is makrooh, it is that which is done by way of flattery and ven-eration when a person is not travelling. The kind that is permitted is that which is donewhen bidding farewell and when a person returns from a journey, and when meetingsomeone after not seeing him for a long time and when there is intense love for the sake ofAllah. What is to be kissed is not the mouth but rather the hand, head and forehead.(Sharh al-Sunnah (12/293)).

Thabit al-Bunani said: When Anas would wake up, he would rub sweetly scented oil onhis hands for when he would shake hands with his brothers. This was authenticated byal-Albani in Sahih al-Adab al-Mufrad (774). Husayn al-Awayshah commented: Thisshows how eager they were to make their brothers happy and pleasant. In Bukharis al-Adab al-Mufrad (1012).

Bukhari and Muslim narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Prophet said: A man used tolend money to people, and he used to say to his servant, 'When you come to one who is indifficulty, let him off, perhaps Allah will let us off.' And when he met Allah, Allah let himoff. (Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh, 2/108, hadith no. 2899).

Yunus As-Sadafie said: I have never seen a wiser man than ash-Shafi`ee, I was arguingwith him one day about an issue and I left him. One day, he met me, held my hand andsaid: Cannot we be brothers, even if we disagree about something? ("Siyaar A'laam Al-Nubala", 10/16).

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Man bin s said: "Mlik bin Anas was once returning from the mosque, leaning on myarm..." (Al-jurr, Ktb Al-Sharah Vol.1 p128).

'Abdullah bin Hisham Narrated: We were with the Prophet while he was holding 'Umarbin Al-Khattab by the hand. (Bukhari Volume 5, Book 57, Number 43).

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Giving GiftsThe Prophet said: "Give gifts to one another, you will come to love one another." (Hasan.In Bukhari's al-Adabul-Mufrad & declared hasan by al-Albani in al-Irwaa (1601)).

Fu'aad Ibn 'Abdul-'azeez ash-Shulhoob: "One of the ways of increasing love betweenbrothers and of removing rancour from their hearts is for them to give gifts to oneanother." (The book of manners, p.429).

Zaid Ibn Al-Hubaab reported that he heard Sufyaan say, "All of the following are lawfulthings in this life: wealth that is earned through honest trade; an endowment that is givenby a just ruler; a gift that is given out of love by a believing brother; or inheritance that ispure (and has not been mixed with unlawfully derived wealth). (The biography of SufyaanAth Thauree p.79).

The Prophet said: "Shake hands, for this will dispel rancour (deep feeling of enmity),and exchange gifts and love one another, for this will dispel hatred." (Narrated by Malik inal-Muwatta, 1413).

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Taking Care of Your BrotherAbu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu) said that the Prophet said: The best of deeds is thatyou make your believing brother happy or that you pay off his debt or that you shouldfeed him bread. (Ibn Abi al-Dunyaa (1/98), al-Dailamee (1/1/123) Al-Asbahani (1/214)and graded as Hasan by Shaikh al-Albani in al-Sahihah (1494)).

The Prophet said: The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are of most benefit(to others). The most beloved of actions to Allah, 'azza wa jalla, is when you make anotherMuslim happy, removing a hardship that has befallen him, paying off a debt of his orridding him of hunger. It is more beloved to me indeed that I walk with my Muslimbrother to see to a need of his than performing i'tikaaf (secluding oneself) in a Masjid for amonth. (At-Tabaraanee/Al-kabeer, 3/209/2, As-Silsilah As-Sahihah, 906).

In another similar narration:Ibn Abil-Dunya narrated from Ibn Umar that the Prophet said: The most beloved ofpeople to Allah is the one who brings most benefit to people, and the most beloved of deedsto Allah is making a Muslim happy, or relieving him of hardship, or paying off his debt, orwarding off hunger from him. For me to go with my Muslim brother to meet his need isdearer to me than observing itikaaf in this mosque meaning the mosque of Madeenah for a month whoever goes with his Muslim brother to meet his need, Allah will makehim stand firm on the Day when all feet will slip. Classed as hasan by al-Albani in Sahihal-Targheeb wal-Tarheeb, 2623.

Narrated Ibn Umar: The Prophet said: A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so heshould not oppress him, nor hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled hisbrother's needs, Allah will fulfil his needs; whoever brought his brother out of adiscomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection andwhoever screened (the faults of) a Muslim, Allah will screen his on the Day ofResurrection. (Sahih Bukhari. Book 43, Hadith 622).

"The best companions with Allah are those who are the best to their companions." (Ahmedand Tirmidhi and rendered authentic by Al-Albani. Road to Good Friendship By AbdulMalik Al-Qasim, p.22).

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Loving Your BrothersAl-Miqdaam ibn Madi Yakrib (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger ofAllah said: If one of you loves his brother, let him tell him. (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi(2392) and classed as hasan by al-Albani in al-Silsilah al-Sahihah (417)).

Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) said: (Telling a brother that youlove him) will instil love in his heart because if a person knows that you love him, he willlove you, even though hearts may recognize and love one another without actuallyspeaking, as the Prophet said: "Souls are like conscripted soldiers; those whom theyrecognize, they get along with, and those whom they do not recognize, they will not getalong with." But if a person says it with his tongue, this will increase the love in the heart,so you should say: I love you for the sake of Allah." (Sharh Riyadh al-Saaliheen).

From `Alee bin Husayn (bin `Alee bin Abi Taalib) in marfoo` form: When one of you loveshis brother for the sake of Allah, then let him inform him, for it is better for the ties offriendship and love. (al-Wakee` in al-Zuhd (2/67/2) and graded as hasan li ghairiheeby Shaikh al-Albani in al-Sahihah (1199)).

"No two men love one another, but the better of them is the one whose love for his brotheris greater." (Reported by Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad).

On the authority of Abul Darda the prophet said There are no two people who loveeach other for Allahs sake behind each others backs, except that the one who is morebeloved to Allah is the one who is stronger in his love for his companion. Taken fromSilsilah Ahadith As-Sahihah of Shaykh Al-Albani, Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya.

Sufyan bin 'Uyaynah: "The one who loves Allah loves the one who loves Allah." (al-Mahabbah 89).

Fu'aad Ibn 'Abdul-'azeez ash-Shulhoob: "When you love someone only for the sake of Allh(Subhnahu wa ta'l), you have reached the pinnacle of friendship, and what remains isfor both of you to remain careful not to allow any worldly benefits to enter into and spoilyour friendship." (The book of manners, p. 426).

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Fu'aad Ibn 'Abdul-'azeez ash-Shulhoob: "when two people love each other for the sake ofAllah (Subhnahu wa ta'l), they should search their hearts every once in a while andcheck - has anything mixed with their love and contaminated it's purity?" (The book ofmanners, p. 426).

Al-Fudayl bin 'Iyad said: "If you love for the people to have exactly what you have (andnothing more), then you have not been true to your Lord. So, how is it when you secretlywish for them to have less than what you have?" ('Jami' al-'Ulum wal-Hikam'; 1/309).

al-Karmaani rahimahullah said: "...and from Imaan too is to hate for your brother whatyou hate for yourself, of evil!" (Fathul Baari 1/74).

It is compulsory for an intelligent individual who was blessed by Allah to have love for aMuslim, to stay close/cling on to him. He should accustom himself to stay in contact withhim if he cuts him off, to turn towards him if he turns away, to give him if he withholds, todraw close to him if he distances himself, to the point that he is like a pillar in his life. ibnHibbaan Rawdat al Uqalaa: P. 49.

Jubayr ibn Nufayr reported that Mu'adh ibn Jabal said: "If you love someone, do notquarrel with him and do not annoy him. Do not ask others about him, for the one you askmight be his enemy and thus tell you things about him that are not true and thus breakyou apart." (Bukhari: Book of Manners #545).

The Messenger of Allah said: "Love your loved ones moderately, as one day he maybecome someone you hate! And hate the one you hate moderately, as one day he maybecome someone you love!" Found in at-Tirmithee on the authority of Aboo Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu). It is Sahih as Shaykh 'Alee al-Halabee shows in "Forty Hadith on the IslamicPersonality" (#3).

Umar bin Al-Khattab (radi Allahu anhu) said: "Do not let your love be a total infatuation.Do not let your anger be destruction." Aslam asked, "How can that be?" Umar replied, "Thatis when you love, you are infatuated like a child, and when you hate, you desire yourcompanions destruction." (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad page.263 of Imam Bukhari).

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Sufyaan Ath Thauree said: "Verily, I meet a man whom I despise, but then he says, 'Howwas your morning?' No sooner does he say that than my heart softens towards him. If thatis how I feel towards someone who simply asks how I am, imagine then, how I should feeltowards someone whose food I eat." - Biography of Sufyaan Ath Thauree. p.95.

Hudaifah Ibn Qataadah al-Mar'ashi -Rahimahullah- said: "If only I had found somebodywho truly hates me for the sake of Allah, I would have made it mandatory upon myself tolove him" (Siyar A'laam An-Nubalaa (9/283)).

Habib bin al-Jilaab said, I asked Abdullaah bin Mubaarak "What's the best thing a humanbeing can be gifted with?" He replied "A deep understanding" I said if not that? He replied"Good manners" I said if not that? He replied "A caring brother" I said if not that? Hereplied "Long silence" I said if not that? He replied "An early death" (adh-Dhahabi, SiyaarAlaam an-Nubalaa).

Bishr Bin As-Siriy (rahimahullaah) said: It is not from the signs of love that you love whatmakes your beloved one angry. (Jaami-ul Uloom Wal-Hikam:page: 85-86).

Jubayr ibn Nufayr reported that Mu'adh ibn Jabal said, "If you love someone, do notquarrel with him and do not annoy him. Do not ask others about him, for the one you askmight be his enemy and thus tell you things about him that are not true and thus breakyou apart." (Hadith - Bukhari's Book of Manners 545).

The Prophet said, "The believer has an affinity for others (i.e. gets along with/ becomesaccustomed to/ naturally likes other believers) and there is no good in the one who doesnot have an affinity with others, nor does not let others have an affinity with him" (Ahmad.Graded Sahih by Albani in Sahih ul-Jaami', 6661, and As-Sahihah, 426).

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Being Caring & ConsiderateIt is reported that Amr b. Qays Al-Mal` said, They used to dislike a man giving hischild something with which the child would then go out and be seen by a poor person,causing him to cry over his family; or be seen by an orphan who would then cry over hisfamily. (Imm Ahmad, Al-Zuhd Vol. 3 p268. - Note: Amr b. Qays Al-Mal` lived in thetime of the younger Tbin. He died in 146H).

Ayyub as-Sakhtiyaanee: When I hear of the death of a man from Ahl Al-Sunnah, it is as ifI have lost a part of my body. (Al-Laalikaa' ee, Sharh Usool ul-I'tiqaad Ahl Al-Sunnah waAl-Jama ah, Vol.1 p46).

Abdullah reported Allah's Messenger as saying: "If you are three, two amongst youshould not converse secretly between yourselves to the exclusion of the other (third one),until some other people join him (and dispel his loneliness), for it may hurt his feelings."(Sahih Muslim Book 26, hadith 5421).

Ja'far bin Muhammad said: "What a terrible friend one is: he whose brother does not feelcomfortable opening up his bag of belongings in his absence and taking what he needswithout asking his permission." ('Min Akhlaq as-Salaf' p.70).

Ibn `Umar (radi Allahu anhu) said: There was a time when no one was more entitled to apersons money than his Muslim brother. Now people love their dirham and dinar morethan their Muslim brother. I heard the Prophet say: How many a neighbour will bebrought together with his neighbour on the Day of Rising! He will say: Lord, this manclosed his door to me and refused to show me common kindness! (al-Adab al-Mufrad(111), Ibn Abee al-Dunyaa (345) and graded as Hasan li ghairihee by Shaikh al-Albaniin al-Sahihah (2646)).

Umar ibn al-Khattab, (radhi Allahu anhu), said: "If your brother mentions something to you in private, then walks away, it is an amaanah (trust) even if he didn't instruct you notto inform anyone." (Ibn Muflih's Adaab Ash-Sharee'ah).

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Supplicating for Your BrotherSafwaan ibn Abdillah ibn Safwaan who said: "I travelled to Shaam and went to visit AbuDardaa in his home but I didnt find him, but I did find Ummu Dardaa who asked me: 'Doyou intend Hajj this year? So I responded: 'Yes,' so she said, 'Then make du'aa for us withgood for indeed the Messenger used to say: The supplication of a Muslim for hisbrother, made in his brothers absence is answered! At his head there is an angelconsigned to him. Every time he supplicates for his brother with good the angel says:Ameen! And for you is the same! (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2733).

Imaam Nawawi mentioned concerning the statement: '..made in his brother's absence'"That is, made in the absence of the one who is being supplicated for, and done in secretsince that is more profound in terms of sincerity." (Explanation of Sahih Muslim 17/49).

Shaikh Muhammad ibn Saalih al Uthaimeen mentioned: "..Thus the angel says 'Ameen' toyour dua when you supplicate for your brother in his absence, and says: 'for you is itslike!' which indicates the virtue of this practice. Though this relates to the one that doesnot request from you to make du'aa for him." (Explanation of Riyaadhus Saaliheen 4/73).

Hafidh Dhahabi (rahimahullah) relates from Umm ad-Darda that Abu Darda had 380Muslim friends, for whom he would supplicate in his prayer. His wife inquired about theissue and he replied, 'Shouldn't I desire that the Angels supplicate for me.' (Siyar Alam an-Nubula).

Qadhi Ayadh (rahimahullah) relates, 'If the Salaf wanted to beseech Allah for somethingwith regards to oneself, then they would supplicate to Allah with the same on behalf oftheir Muslim brethren because such a supplication is accepted and the Angel supplicatesfor the supplicant.' (Sharh an-Nawawi).

Upon the authority of Ubaadah ibn Saamit who said: "I heard the Prophet say: Whoeverseeks forgiveness for the male and female believers, Allah writes for him a good deed permale and female believer! (Collected by At Tabaraani in musnadush Shaamiyeen 3/234hadith no# 2155 and declared Hasan by shaikh Al Albani in Sahih al jaami 6026).

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The Messenger of Allah said: Whoever has a favour done for him and says JazaakAllahu khayran (Allah reward you with good) has done his utmost to thank him.(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2035 classed as Sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Tirmidhi).

The Prophet said: Whoever does you a favour, then reciprocate (respond, return it),and if you cannot find anything with which to reciprocate, then pray for him until youthink that you have reciprocated him. (Narrated by Abu Dawood (1672); classed as Sahihby al-Albani).

The Prophet said: Whenever one of you sees something with his brother that amazeshim, ask Allah to bless him. (Collected by ibn Majah (3500) and graded as being Sahih byShaykh Al-Albani).

Yahya bin Muadh said: A friend is the one who you dont have to remind to rememberyou in his supplication, and that you dont have to flatter and impress, and that you donthave to apologize to. (pg.46 The Manners of Seeking Knowledge by Sheikh Raslan).

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Joking with BrothersIt was narrated that Ibn Umar said: The Prophet said, I joke, but I speak nothing butthe truth. (narrated by al-Tabarani in al-Mujam al-Kabeer, 12/391). This hadith wasclassed as hasan by al-Haythami in Majma al-Zawaaid, 8/89, and classed as Sahih byShaykh al-Albani (may Allah have mercy on him) in Sahih al-Jami, 2494).

Ibn Muflih: "One day, ash-Sha'bi joked. It was said to him: "You joke??" he then said; "Yes!Otherwise we would have died out of anxiety." (Adab Shar'iyyah 2/338).

Abu Hurairah: "Allah's apostle used to extend his tongue to al-Husayn bin 'Ali (I.e. jokewith him by pointing his tongue towards him)." (al-Baghawi 13/180/3603, Hasan (good)according to al-Albani).

Al-Khalil bin Ahmad: The people are imprisoned if they do not joke with each other. (AdabShar'iyyah 2/338).

Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Laylaa said: the companions of the Messenger of Allah told usthat they were traveling with the Messenger of Allah . A man among them fell asleepand some of them went and took his arrows. When the man woke up, he got alarmed(because his arrows were missing) and the people laughed. The Prophet said, What areyou laughing at? They said, Nothing, except that we took the arrows and he gotalarmed. The Messenger of Allah said: It is not permissible for a Muslim to frightenanother Muslim. (Narrated by Abu Dawood, 5004; Ahmad, 22555 this version narratedby Ahmad). This hadith was classed as Sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Jami, 7658).

Abu Umamah narrated: The Prophet said: I guarantee a house in the surroundings ofParadise for a man who avoids quarrelling even if he were in the right, a house in themiddle of Paradise for a man who avoids lying even if he were joking, and a house in theupper part of Paradise for a man who made his character good. (Sunan Abu-Dawud, Book41, Hadith 4782).

It is reported that Abdullh b. Umar was asked: Did the Companions of Allhs Messengerused to laugh? He replied, Yes, and the mn (faith) in their hearts was greater than themountains. (Abd Al-Razzq Al-Sann, Al-Musannaf 11:327).

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Advising your BrotherUmar al-faarooq (radi Allahu anhu): "There is no goodness in people who don't giveadvice, and there is no goodness in people who dont like to be advised" (Risaalat Al-Mustarshideen p,71).

Abu Ad-Dardaa said: It is better to advise your friend than to severe relations with him,for no one can take the place of your friend if you lose him. Be generous and lenient withyour friend, and do not allow an envious person to come between you and him, for in thiscase, your friend might die tomorrow and you grieve for him. However, how could yougrieve after he dies, when you have shunned him when he was still alive? (Sifaat us-Safwah, 1/364).

Imaam Ibn Hazm ad-Dhaahiri rahimahullah said: "...and do not advise others seekingacceptance of your advice, if you cross those lines you become a wrongdoer not an adviser,a seeker of submission and possession, not a messenger with a responsibility andbrotherhood." (al-Akhlaaq was Siyar page 44).

Fudayl Ibn Iyaad said: The Believer screens and gives sincere advice and the wicked evildoer unveils and exposes. (Jaamiul Uloom Wal-Hikam, p.77).

Abd-Dard (radi Allahu anhu) said: "The one who advises his brother in secret hasbeautified him and the one who advises his brother openly has uglified him." (al-Amr bil-Marf wan-Nah an-il-Munkar, p. 39, by Imm Abu Bakr al-Khalll).

It is reported that Abdullh b. Masd Allh be pleased with him said, One of theworst sins is when a man says to his brother, Fear Allh, and he replies, Worry aboutyourself. (Ab Bakr Al-Daynr, Al-Mujlasah wa Jawhir Al-Ilm article 2619).

Umar bin al-Khattaab: "If you see that one of you has slipped, correct him, pray for himand do not help Shaytan against him (by insulting him, etc.)." (Tafseer al-Qurtubi,15/256).

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Abu Hurayra said: "A believer is the mirror of his brother. When he sees a fault in it, heshould correct it."' (al-Adab al-Mufrad 238).

Once Talhah came to Abdul-Jabbaar Ibn Waail whle he was sitting with some people, sohe whispered something to him and then left. He (Talhah) asked them, Do you know whathe just said to me? He said, Yesterday I saw that you had looked around while you wereperforming the prayer. (Raudatul Uqaalaa, p. 197).

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When Problems Arise

O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter arebetter than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other women, it may be that thelatter are better than the former, nor defame one another, nor insult one another bynicknames. How bad is it, to insult one's brother after having Faith [i.e. to call your Muslimbrother (a faithful believer) as: "O sinner", or "O wicked", etc.]. And whosoever does notrepent, then such are indeed Zalimun (wrong-doers, etc.). (Al Hujurat - 49:11).

Ibn 'Abbas spoke about the words of Allah Almighty: "Do not find fault with one another"(49:11) and he said that these words mean, "Do not attack one another." (Al-Adab al-Mufrad, 329).

The Prophet said: "No two people who love one another for the sake of Allah, or for thesake of Islam, will let the first minor offence of either of them come between them."(Bukhari in al-Adab Al-Mufrad).

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (rahimahullaah) said: "If every time two Muslims have adispute they part ways as a consequence, then no affection or brotherhood will remainamong Muslims!" (Majmoo' al-Fatawaa Vol. 24, page 173).

Fudayl Ibn Iyaad asid: Whoever seeks a brother without faults would never have abrother to be his friend. (Raudatul Uqaalaa, p. 169).

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Prophet Muhammed said: "I am a claimant for a house in the outskirts of Paradise forone who leaves off arguing even if he is in the right" 'Sahih ul-Jaami us-Sagheer'(no.1477). (Abu Dawud - Hadith Sahih). Quoted by Shaikh Muhammad Naasir-ud-DeenAl-Albani in "Manaasik-ul-Hajj wal 'Umrah".

Jaabir (radi Allahu anhu) reported that Allahs Messenger said: The dearest of you tome and the nearest of you to me in station on the Day of Resurrection are the best of you inmanners. And the most hated of you to me and the farthest from me on the Day ofResurrection are chatter-boxes, bigmouthed (who speak much without deliberation andcaution) and the mutafayhiqoon. They asked: O Messenger of Allah, we know those whospeak much, but who are the mutafayhiqoon? He said: Those who speak witharrogance. (Tirmidhee (2018) and graded as Hasan by Shaikh al-Albani (rahimuhullah)in al-Sahihah (791)).

Abu'l-Darda' (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say: "Shall I not tell you aboutsomething that is better for you than charity and fasting? Reconcile between yourbrothers, for hatred diminishes reward." (Reported by Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad,1/505, Bab al-shahna').

Prophet Muhammed said: "One of you sees a small speck of dirt in the eye of hisbrother, but fails to see the large piece of dirt in his own eye." (at-Targhib wat-Tarhib3/236).

Ibn 'Abbas said, "If you wish to mention the faults of your friend, mention your own faultsfirst." (Bukhari's Book of Manners, 329).

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle said: Whoever has wronged his brother, should askfor his pardon (before his death) as (in the Hereafter) there will be neither a Dinar nor aDirham. (He should secure pardon in this life) before some of his good deeds are taken andpaid to his brother or if he has done no good deeds some of the bad deeds of his brotherare taken to be loaded on him (in the Hereafter) Bukhari 8.541.

Al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyaad rahimahullah: "By Allah! It is not permissible for you to even hurt adog or a pig except for just cause. So how can you hurt a Muslim?" (Makaarim al-Akhlaaq3/379).

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"There are seventy-two forms of riba, the least of which is as bad as a man havingintercourse with his own mother, and the worst of which is when a man slanders thehonour of his brother." (Silsilah al-Sahih, 1871).

Abu Musa Al-Asharee (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet said,Verily Allah looks at His creation on the 15th of Shaban and forgives everyone except aperson who commits shirk and a person who feels rancour towards his brother. (Collectedby Ibn Majah (1390) Ibn Abee Asim (510) and others. Graded as being Sahih by ShaykhAl-Albani).

Umar ibn al-Khattab: None is endowed with a blessing from Allah, except that youll findsomeone envying him for it. And even if a person were to be more upright than an arrow,you shall still find someone criticising him. And a word brings no harm if there is no-oneentertaining it. (Rawdhatul-Uqala by Ibn Hibban).

Narrated Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Apostle said, "Beware ofsuspicion, for it is the worst of false tales and don't look for the other's faults and don't spyand don't hate each other, and don't desert one another. O Allah's slaves, be brothers!"(Bukhari Book 80, Hadith no.717).

Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah rahimahullah said: "You haven't rewarded someone whodisobeyed Allah in hurting you, with better than obeying Allah in being good to him" (Al-Fataawaa 1/245).

On the authority of 'Alee who said: when I held onto the weapon of Messenger of Allah I found a slip of paper in the sheath of the sword (scabbard) of Allahs Messenger whichhad on it: 'Keep good relations with the one who breaks away from you. Be good to the onewho is bad to you and say the truth even if it is against yourself.' Taken from SilsilahAhadith As-Sahihah of Shaykh Al-Albani. Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya.

It was narrated from Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit (may Allah be pleased with him) that theMessenger of Allah came out with the news of Laylat al-Qadr, but two men among theMuslims started arguing. He said: I came out to tell you about Laylat al-Qadr, but So andso and So and so started arguing, so (that knowledge) was taken away. Perhaps that will bebetter for you. So seek it on the (twenty-) seventh and the (twenty-) ninth and the(twenty-) fifth. (Bukhari, Book 2, Number 46).

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Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet said, "Allah willcover up on the Day of Resurrection the defects (faults) of the one who covers up the faultsof the others in this world". (Muslim, Riyad Us Saliheen, chapter 28, hadith 240).

Narrated Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him): Allah's Apostle said, "Beware ofsuspicion, for it is the worst of false tales and don't look for the other's faults and don't spyand don't hate each other, and don't desert one another. O Allah's slaves, be brothers!"(Bukhari, Book 80, Hadith 717).

The Prophet said, "He who defends his brother in his absence, Allah will defend him inthis world and in the Hereafter. Related by al-Bayhaqi from the relation of Anas (RadiAllahu anhu), and it is hasan. See 'Sahih al-Jaami' (no. 6575), and 'as-Sahihah' (no.1217)for detailed documentation.

From Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu anhu): the Prophet said: The son of Aadam does notperform a better deed than the prayer, and reconciling between two parties, and goodmanners. (Bukhari in al-Taareekh (1/1/63) and graded as Hasan by Shaikh al-Albaniin al-Sahihah (1448)).

Abdullah ibn al-Mubaarak rahimahullah said: "The believer is the one who seeks theexcuse for his brothers, and the hypocrite is the one who seeks their faults" (Aadaab al-'Ishrah 1/8).

Abdullaah Ibn Muhammad Ibn Manaazil saood: The Believer seeks excuses for hisbrothers, and the hypocrite seeks the mistakes for his brothers. (Ash-Shuab, 7/11197).

Ibn Qudaama al-Maqdisi rahimahullah: "Know that it is not from loyalty, to agree with thebrother in that which goes against the Deen" (Mukhtasar Minhaaj al-qaasideen).

Supplication said for one you have insulted: Allahumma fa-ayyuma muminin sababtuhoofaj`al dhalika lahoo qurbatan ilayka yawmal-qiyamah - O Allah, to any believer whom Ihave insulted, let that be cause to draw him near to You on the Day of Resurrection.(Hisnul Muslim (218), Sahih Bukhari (6361) and Sahih Muslim, 2601).

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'Amr ibn al-'As said: "I am astonished at a man who flees from fate when he is all the timeattacking it and who sees the mote in his brother's eye and not the trunk in his own eye.He uncovers the rancour in his brother's heart and not the rancour in himself. I havenever entrusted anyone with a secret of mine and then blamed him for divulging it. Howcould I blame him when I have given him something he is incapable of doing?" (Al-Adabal-Mufrad 886).

It was narrated from Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: Do not thinkbadly of a word uttered by your brother, when you can find a good interpretation for it.(Majmoo Fataawa Ibn Baaz, 26/365).

Amr b. Al-s was once walking with a group of his friends, when he passed by thebloated, rotting carcass of mule. He said: By Allah! To eat your fill from this carcass isbetter than eating the flesh of a Muslim (by backbiting him). (Bukhari, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad. Shaykh Al-Albn (Sahh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad p266) said this narrations chain ofnarration is sahh).

Ad-Dhahabi has narrated: A man backbit someone while he was in the presence ofMaroof Al-karkhi so Maroof said, warning the man about the danger of backbiting:Keep in mind, always, the time when they put pieces of cotton in your eyes, referring tohis death ("Siyar A'lam An-Nubala").

Mujaahid (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The expiation for eating your brothersflesh (i.e., backbiting him) is that you praise him and supplicate for goodness for him.(Mowsuah Ibn Abid-Dunyaa, 4/418).

Shaykh 'Abdul-'Azeez bin Baaz said: "The Religion of Allah orders to judge (with justice) inall matters, and not to have walaa (love, loyalty and allegiance) with your brother merelybecause he agrees with you, or to have 'adaa (enmity and being distant) from him merelybecause he disagrees with you on a certain opinion or issue. This is not from justice at all!The Companions (radi Allahu anhum) differed in various issues, yet this did not affect thehappiness and sincerity between them, nor their walaa and love for each other - mayAllah be pleased with them all. So the Believer acts upon the Sharee'ah (Prescribed andDivine Islaamic Law) of Allah, follows the truth, gives priority to the evidences beforeanyone - yet in doing so, he does not oppress his brother, nor negate doing justice to himwhen he differs regarding any issue of ijtihaad in which the evidences are not so apparent.

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Likewise is the case for those issues in which differences occur due to a differentinterpretation of the text. So, in such instances he is excused, and it is upon you tosincerely advise him, and to love only the good for him, and not to split-up, nor to haveenmity and hatred between you and your brother - and there is no might, nor any power,except with Allah. " Majmoo' Fataawaa wa Magaaalaat Mutanawwi'ah (11346).

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Forgiving & Seeking Forgiveness

Kind words and forgiving of faults are better than Sadaqah (charity) followed by injury.And Allah is Rich (Free of all wants) and He is Most-Forbearing. (al-Baqarah 2:263).

Huqooq al-`Ibaad: Whenever you commit a sin, if you turned towards Allah and repented(for your sins), Allah will forgive you. But, if the sin was concerning someone else, then nodoubt that redemption should be made for (transgressing) his rights, either by honouringhis rights or by requesting him earnestly to absolve you, because it is the rights of a humanbeing which will not be forgiven.

One example (of honouring his rights) is when a person backbites someone in a group, hemakes up for it by praising him in a similar group. Or when a person damages someonesproperty, he should either fix it or compensate for the damage. Or if he steals fromsomeone, he returns it.

One of the Ahaadeeth which highlights the importance of Huqooq al-`Ibaad (rights ofpeople) is: On the authority of `Amr bin al-`Aas that the Messenger of Allah said: All thesins of a martyr are forgiven except debt. (Sahih Muslim, 4649).

The rights of Allah will be forgiven, no matter how great it is (except Shirk); but as for therights of a human being, then no doubt it should be redeemed either by requesting (him toabsolve you) or by repaying (for his rights).

But let us assume that you do not find this person or you do not know him or you couldnot honour the rights because you did not have the means and Allah knows by yourintention that you are sincere in your repentance, then Allah will lift the burden off you onthe Day of Judgment and Allah will satisfy this person. (Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen ofShaikh Muhammad ibn Saaleh al-`Uthaymeen, p.585).

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Bakr Ibn Abd Allah Al-Muzani said: "If you find (feel) staleness from your brothers, that isfrom a sin you have committed, so repent to Allah. And if you find (feel) from them love,that is for an act of obedience you did so thank Allah." (Ar-Raqaa'iq , p 80).

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger ofAllah said: Whoever has wronged his brother with regard to his honour or anythingelse, let him seek his forgiveness today, before there will be no dinar and no dirham (i.e.,the Day of Resurrection), when if he has any good deeds (hasanaat), some of his gooddeeds will be taken and given to the one who was wronged, proportionate to the wrongthat he did, and if he does not have any good deeds, some of the bad deeds (sayiaat) of theone who was wronged will be taken and thrown onto him. Narrated by Bukhari (2269).

Whoever is pardoned anything by his brother, then let him follow up with good conductand payment to him in good conduct. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a Mercy.So whoever transgresses after that, then for him is a painful punishment. Al Baqarah:178- Tafsir at Tabari (2/107).

Ibn Hibbaan al-Basti (Abu Hatim) (rahimahullaah) said: What the wise person must do istrain himself to adhere to the quality of forgiveness towards all people, and try to forgetabout waiting for an opportunity to retaliate for bad treatment, because nothing cancancel out the bad effects of bad treatment apart from good treatment, and nothing canmake bad treatment worse and increase its bad effects but responding in like manner.(Rawdat al-Uqala wa Nuzhat al-Fudala (p. 166).

Al-Hasan al-Basri said: The best attribute a believer can have is forgiveness. (AdabShar'iyyah 1/121).

The Prophet said: Pardon others, and you will be pardoned. (Musannaf of Abdur-Razzaaq, and graded Sahih by Al-Albani in Sahih ul-Jaami, Vol. 1, 981, and As-Sahihah,1456).

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Being Alone Without CompanionsUmar (radi Allahu anhu) said: "To be alone means that you avoid bad company. But tohave a true friend is better than being alone." (Adab Shar'iyyah 4/124).

Every time you feel the loneliness of isolation, remember your companions who havepreceded you and be eager to join them; and do not be concerned with others, for they willnot avail you at all before Allah. And if they call out to you during your journey, do notturn to them, for whenever you respond to them, they will take you and set you in anotherdirection. (Ibn Al Qayyim's Madaarij As-Saalikeen).

Ibn Mas'ood (radi Allahu anhu) said: "The Jamaa'ah is what conforms to the truth, even ifyou are alone." (Reported by Ibn 'Asaakir in Taareekh Dimashq with a Sahih isnaad aspointed out by Shaikh al-Albani in al-Mishkaat (1/61)).

Umar bin al-Khattab: "Keep yourselves to al-Jamaa'ah and keep away from splitting.Certainly, satan is with the loner, while he is farther away from those who are two."(Ahmad 1/18).

Abu Darda has said: A good companion is better than loneliness, and loneliness is betterthan a bad companion. The one who calls to goodness is better than the one who is silent,and the silent one is better than the one who calls to evil. ("Al-Izlah", 57).

Al-Fudayl ibn Ayyaad said: "If you can be unknown, do so. It doesnt matter if you are notknown & it doesnt matter if you are not praised. It doesnt matter if you are blameworthyaccording to people if you are praiseworthy with Allah, Mighty and Majestic." (Al-Bayhaqi, Az-Zuhd Al-Kabeer page 100).

Wahb bin Munabbih (rahimahullaah) said: "The believer socializes in order to know; andis silent in order to be safeguarded; and speaks in order to understand; and secludes awayin order to become enriched." (Siyar A'laam an-nubalaa vol.4 page 551).

Al Fudail Ibn 'Iyaad said: Do not feel lonely on the paths of guidance just because fewpeople travel them, and do not be deceived by the abundance of destroyed travellers (onthe paths of misguidance). (The Book of Manners by Fu'ad Ibn 'Abdul-'Azeez Ash-Shulhoob, Page 31).

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Ab Bakr Al-Siddq A True FriendIt is reported that Al-Shab said: Allh the Exalted distinguished Ab Bakr Al-Siddq Allh be pleased with him with four qualities that He did not distinguish anyone elsewith. He called him Al-Siddq (the true believer), and He never named anyone else Al-Siddq; (Ab Bakr) was the companion of Allhs Messenger in the cave, and hiscompanion during the Migration (Al-Hijrah); and Allhs Messenger told him to leadthe prayer in the presence of the rest of the Muslims. Abu Bakr Al-Daynr, Al-Mujlasahwa Jawhir Al-Ilm article 2815.

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri: "The person who has favoured me most of all, both withhis company and wealth, is Abu Bakr. If I were to take a Khalil (close, intimate friend)other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr as such, but (what relates us) is theIslamic brotherhood and friendliness..." (Sahih Bukhari: Volume 5, Book 57, Hadith 6).

Narrated Aiyub: The Prophet said, "If I were to take a Khalil, I would have taken him (i.e.Abu Bakr) as a Khalil, but the Islamic brotherhood is better." (Sahih Bukhari: Volume 5,Book 57, Hadith 9).

Ibn Qayyim: "He (I.e Ab Bakr) protected the Messenger with everything at his disposal. Heaccompanied the Prophet during his life and death. How could anyone deny hisvirtues? To do so would be to try to cover the sun in the middle of the day. He is the bestamong the Companions, and whoever loves him is a believer." (al-Fawaa'id, p.114).

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Stories of Brotherhood from the SalafNarrated 'Ursa: The Prophet asked Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) for'Aisha's hand (may Allah be pleased with her) in marriage. Abu Bakr said "But I am yourbrother." The Prophet said, "You are my brother in Allah's religion and His Book, but she(Aisha) is lawful for me to marry." (Bukhari, 62/ 18).

Narrated Abu Jamra: I used to sit with Ibn 'Abbas and he made me sit on his sitting place.He requested me to stay with him in order that he might give me a share from hisproperty. So I stayed with him for two months. (Bukhari, Book 1, Volume 2, Hadith 50).

Narrated Ibn Abbas: Once the Prophet led the people in the Fear prayer. He said Takbir,bowed and prostrated and the people followed him in prayer. Then he stood for the secondRaka and the first party left and guarded their Brothers. The second party joined him andperformed bowing and prostration with him. All the people were in prayer but they wereguarding one another during the prayer. (Bukhari, Chapter 14, Hadith 66).

Waki' ibn al-Jarrah was a scholar whom Sufyan ibn Uyaynah loved. Azhar al-Bajalirelates, "Sufyan ibn Uyaynah said to Waki', 'I feel at ease so long as you are in Kufah.'" Al-Jarh wat-Ta'dil (1/231).

Sufyan ibn 'Uyaynah relates that Mutarrif said to him, "Your company is more beloved tome than that of my family." Sharaf As-hab al-Hadith (p.102).

Muhammad b. Ziyd said, I met (some of) the Salaf. They would live in one building withtheir families. One of them might receive guests, and the cooking pot of another might beon the fire (with food being cooked). The host would take the pot to serve his guest, andthe owner of the pot would find it had gone and would ask, Who has taken the pot? Thehost would reply, We have taken it for our guest. The owner would say, May Allh blessit for you, or something similar. Baqyah (one of the reporters) said, Muhammad said,And it was the same when they baked bread; and they had only a wall of reeds separatingthem in those days. Baqyah added, And I remember seeing such times with Muhammadb. Ziyd and his friends. (Bukhari, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad. Shaykh Al-Albn (Sahh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad p268) said the chain of narration is sahh).

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Umar ibn Abdul-Azeez used to gather the fuqahaa every night and they would (all)remember death, the Day of Judgment and the Hereafter and then would weep. (This is asaying of Ataa in Siyar A'laam an-Nubalaa. - Volume 5, Page 138).

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger : I am most akin to Jesus Christ among thewhole of mankind, and all the Prophets are of different mothers but belong to one religionand no Prophet was raised between me and Jesus. (Book 30, Hadith 5835). In a similarnarration: Prophets are brothers in faith (Sahih Muslim, Book 30, Hadith 5836).

Aasim ibn Bahdalah related that one of the companions of Umar said:Once, while we were in the company of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, a man broke wind just asthe time for prayer arrived. Umar said, I am determined to make the man who broke windto stand up and perform ablution. Jareer ibn Abdullah said, O leader of the believers,instead, be determined to make all of us stand up and perform ablution. That way, theidentity of the person will remain concealed. Umar then acted in accordance with Jareerssuggestion. (Bukhari and Muslim by way of the narration of Balaadhiree (pg. 219)).

Once Uthmaan (radi Allahu anhu) became angry with his servant and tweaked/twistedhis ear until it hurt him. He spent some of that night restless and didn't sleep until he madethe servant twist his ear back and take revenge! The servant refused at first but then afterthe insistence of the Khalifatul Mu'mineen - obeyed. (Biography of Uthman ibn Affaan

"Nizaam al Hukm fi 'Ahd al Khulafaa ar Raashideen" by Hamad Muhammadal-Samad,page 149).

Dhun Noorayn by Dr Ali As Sallaabi page 129. The Shaykh references this athaar with

Ibn Abbas Narrated: When (the dead body of) 'Umar was put on his deathbed, the peoplegathered around him and invoked (Allah) and prayed for him before the body was takenaway, and I was amongst them. Suddenly I felt somebody taking hold of my shoulder andfound out that he was 'Ali bin Abi Talib. 'Ali invoked Allah's Mercy for 'Umar and said, "O'Umar! You have not left behind you a person whose deeds I like to imitate and meet Allahwith more than I like your deeds. By Allah! I always thought that Allah would keep youwith your two companions, for very often I used to hear the Prophet saying, 'I, Abu Bakrand 'Umar went (somewhere); I, Abu Bakr and 'Umar entered (somewhere); and I, AbuBakr and 'Umar went out."' (Sahih Bukhari, Book 57, Hadith 34).

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A man complained about 'Ali to 'Umar, and when 'Umar looked into the matter he said to'Ali: "Sit down alongside your opponent, O' Abu al-Hasan." 'Ali's expression changed, and'Umar passed judgement concerning the matter, then he said to 'Ali, "Did you get angry, O'Abu al-Hasan, because I treated you and your opponent equally?" 'Ali said, "You did nottreat me and my opponent equally, O' Ameer al-Mu'mineen, because you honoured meand called me Abu al-Hasan, using my kunyah, but you did not call my opponent by hiskunyah." 'Umar kissed the head of 'Ali and said, "May Allah not keep me in a land whereAbu al-Hasan is not there." ('Umar ibn al-Khattab, by Salih 'Abdur-Rahman, p. 79.)

Narrated Ibn Umar (radi Allahu anhu): That Umar Ibn al-Khattab (radi Allahu anhu) saidone day to his brother: "Take my armour my brother" he replied to him, "I seek in Shahaada(martyrdom) what you seek too" so they left the armour both of them and went to thebattle. (Hiluatul Awliyaa wa Tabaqaatul Asfiyaa 1/367).

Abu U'bayd al-Qaasim Ibn Salaam rahimahullah once visited Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbaland said : "O' Aba Abdillah, if I am to visit you as you really deserve to be visited, I wouldvisit you every day!" Imaam Ahmad said to him: "Don't say that, indeed I have somebrothers that I see only one time a year, I am more sure about their love to me than those Isee every day." (Manaaqib al-Imaam Ahmad by Ibn al-Jawzi page 151).Ataa Ibn Abi Rabah has said: A young man would tell me something that I may haveheard before he was born. Nevertheless, I listen to him as if I have never heard it before.("Siyar A'lam An-Nubala", 5/86).

Ibn Rajab narrated: "Muhammad bin Wasi' was selling a donkey to a man, so, the manasked him: "Are you pleased with this donkey?" Ibn Wasi' replied: "If I was not pleased withthis donkey, then I would not be selling it to you."" ('Jami' al-'Ulum wal-Hikam'; 1/305).

Ahmad al-Warrq: "I came to Ahmad ibn Hanbal and complained about poverty. He gaveme four silver coins and said, 'This is all I own.'" (Manaqib Ahmad, p. 325).

Muhammad Ibn Ali said: A neighbour of Abu Hamza Al-Sukkari wanted to sell his houseand when he was asked about the price, he said: Two thousand for the house and twothousand for having Abu Hamza as your neighbour. When Abu Hamza heard about thisincident, he sent him four thousand (as a gift) and said: Do not sell your house. ("As-SiyarA'lam An-Nubala", 7/387).

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The Concept of SoulmatesThe Prophet said: Souls are troops collected together and those who got along with oneother (in the realm where souls existed before entering physical bodies in this world) willhave an affinity with one another (in this world) and those who did not get along with oneanother (in the realm where souls existed before entering physical bodies in this world)will also not get along (in this world). Narrated by Aaishah (may Allah be pleased withher), In Bukhari, 3158; Muslim, 2638.Al-Khattaabi said: This may be understood as referring to similarity between souls whichare either good or bad, righteous or immoral, and that good people are attracted to thosewho are like them and evil people are likewise attracted to those who are like them, sopeoples souls recognize one another according to their nature, whether good or evil; ifthey are similar they will get along and if they are different they will not get along.

Al-Qurtubi said: Although souls have in common the fact that they are all souls, they differin other ways. Souls of similar nature will get along because of their nature. Therefore wesee people of a certain type get along, but they do not get along with people of a differentnature, and we see that with people who are of a similar nature, some of them get alongwith one another and some do not, and that depends on the issues which form the basis ofgetting along or otherwise.

Ibn Hibbaan narrated: Mujahid said: Ibn Abbas saw a man and said, Indeed he lovesme. They said, And how do you know?! He said, Because I love him and souls are likerecruited soldiers, those that recognise one another unite in harmony and those that donot recognise one another are at an aversion. ("Rawdah Al-Uqalaa", 1/108).

It is reported that Al-Fudayl b. Ayyd Allh have mercy on him said: The souls (ofpeople) are in groups gathered together: those of them that identify with each other cometogether, and those that are different diverge. It is not possible for an adherent of theSunnah to incline towards an adherent of Bidah except out of hypocrisy (nifq). (Ibid.Article 429).

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Brothers In Jannah

"And We shall remove from their breasts any sense of injury, brothers facing each other onthrones. (Al-Hijr 15:47).

"...there are no grudges, no malice nor envy. The envy will be removed from the chests ofthe Mumineen before they enter Paradise. They will stop on a bridge after they havecrossed the Siraat. They will retaliate with each other for the complaints they havebetween themselves. Then the envy will be removed from their chests. And they will enterParadise with the highest degree of purity. (Shaykh 'Abdul 'Azeez ibn 'Abdullaah ar-Rajhi,fatwaa dated 7/8/1424H).

CoverContentsForwardBiography of Abu Khadeejah Al-JazaaireeIntroductionThe Creed for True BrotherhoodThe Rights Owed to Your BrothersGetting to Know BrothersChoosing Your CompanionsMeeting & Greeting Your BrotherBeing a Good CompanionGestures of Affection & FriendshipGiving GiftsTaking Care of Your BrotherLoving Your BrothersBeing Caring & ConsiderateSupplicating for Your BrotherJoking with BrothersAdvising your BrotherWhen Problems AriseForgiving & SeekingForgivenessBeing AloneWithout CompanionsAb Bakr Al-SiddqA True FriendStories of Brotherhood from the SalafThe Concept of SoulmatesBrothers In Jannah