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The rights of the Muslims
are many , varied , diversified and vital in accordance with the teachings
of Islam . Many of these rights are documented as sound , accurate and
authentically reported from Allah’s Apostle , PBUH. The general rights are
for the welfare and well being of Muslims at large. They are instituted for
a better society, much improved social relations , stronger ties and better
citizenship in all.
It is soundly and
authentically reported of Allah’s Apostle, PBUH: “ There are six general
rights of a Muslim individual upon his Muslim brethren. They are:
a) Greet him when
you see him
b) Respond , accept and
fulfill his invitation
c) Offer him the
best advice you have, if sought.
d) Say” Yarhakmoka Allah”
( May Allah , the Almighty be merciful to you ) if one sneezes before you.
e) Pay him a visit
if he gets ill, and
f) Follow his
funeral to his final place of rest ( burial)
The aforementioned Hadith
illustrated six (6) general and vital rights of a Muslim upon his general
common Muslim brethren. Greetings , for instance , is one of the most
important social issues for a better society. According to Islam, greeting
is an emphasized practice of the prophet ,PBUH which every one is urged, encouraged
and rewarded if fulfilled. This demonstrates how Islam , as a way of life ,
coincides with the natural human innate nature of man. It increases ties
between people. It strengthens love , respect and appreciations of one
another. It assures that people are not enemies and do not deserve to be treated
as such. It creates a general atmosphere of peace , trust and tranquility
amongst people. It removes hatred , mistrust and fears of one another from
the hearts , minds and lives of people.. It makes people feel that they
have a special , true sense of belonging to one another , unlike other
selfish, individualized and narrow -minded people in society.
It is reported of Allah’s
Apostle , PBUH: “ By Allah , the Almighty, you (all) will not enter Jannah
until you become true believers . And you will not become true believers
until you like each other. Should I tell about something , if you apply in
your life, you will love one another?! Spread the proper, meaningful and
truthful greetings amongst each other.” This hadith war reported by Muslim
Allah’s Apostle , PBUH
himself used to offer the greetings first to whomever he met on the road ,
in the mosque or else where. He , PBUH even offered the greeting to the
children playing in the streets whenever passing by.
It is also reported of
Alla’s Apostle , PBUh however, that the younger should offer the greetings
to the old , the few to the many , the riding person to the sitting one. However , if such a person
did not fully abide by the practices of the prophet, PBUH, the other party
should offer the greeting instead , so Sunah of the prophet ,PBUH is not
neglected or not respected.
‘Ammar bin Yasser, RAA said: “ If should maintain three
things that will assure complete faith in Allah, the Almighty , namely: (1)
Justify others and give them what they are entitled , even though it may be
against one’s soul. (2) Offer greetings to all people , those whom you know
and those whom you don not know, and (3) Be generous to others even if you
sre poor”. This statement reported by Bukhari.
We should also remember
that offering the greetings to the others is an act of Sunnah ( voluntary
act) whereby performing the act will be rewarded , but not performing the
act will not be punished. However , to return a similar greetings to the
person offering the greetings is an obligatory act to the person in
accordance to Islam. It suffices , however, that one or a few in a large
group returns the greetings to them . There is no harm if done this way
Allah’ the Almighty stated in the glorious Quran : “
“ When a ( courteous ) greetings offered you , meet it with
a greeting still more courteous or (at least) of equal courtesy . God takes
careful account of all things.”
4:86
There are , however some
incorrect, inaccurate, and inappropriate practices in terms of returning
the Muslims courteous greeting and responding to it. For instants , one
must not use a common phrases such as “ Welcome” Ahlan Wasahlan ! Marabhaba
“ in response to the Islamic greetings of “ As-Salamu ‘ Alaikum Wa
Rahamatul-Lahi Wa Barakatuh. The returned greeting should be similar, or
better, than the one offered it in terms of prayer and supplication.
B ) Respond, accept and fulfill an invitation:
One would not, normally,
invite another person to his home, meal , food and so on , unless he really
cares for him and likes his company , unless otherwise there are some
hidden unforeseen reasons for so doing, which exceptional.
Accepting an honest
invitation is an emphasized act of
Sunnah. It satisfies the person who invites, it strengthen social
ties between Muslim individuals, families , friends and groups and, all in
all, improves ties amongst people at large. The exception to this rule is
the marriage or wedding party dinner which is confirmed only in certain
conditions were fulfilled , for example , the invitation must be given
properly and in due time to enable the invitee to plan his agenda to attend
the ample time should be given to fit that invitation in the invitee’s
schedule . The invitor must be committed to Islamic faith, rules and
regulations and customs . The invitor must not be a type whose company
should be neglected in the first place due to indecent acts, illegal
practices or unlawful acts he maintains. For example , if one if known to
be a drinking person, fornicator , adultery, gambler , not a straight
person, or in general , condones any immoral and unethical practices in his
life, he must be avoided Also,
the invitor must be known to earn a lawful income and finally the party
must not condone, promote or offer any illegal or unlawful items or acts.
For instance, if one is invited to a party where he knows music will be
played , a mixed gathering of men and women will be condoned , drinks will
be offered openly must be avoided. In an Islamic setting , and if things of
that sort are practiced openly or even condoned, then the invitation in
such a case is not compulsory.
The fulfillment of a Muslim
pure, honest and sincere invitation is based on the statement of Allah’s
apostle , PBUH : “ He , whosever does not fulfill such invitation will be committing an act of
disobedience to the commands of Allah, the Almighty , and Allah’s Apostle,
PBUH”. This Hadith is reported
by both Bukhari and Muslim.
The fulfillment of the
invitation also be extended if a Muslim asked for help , assistance or aid
in any form, shape or fashion, and the invitee is capable of extending the
helping hand m they must not hesitate to do so. Believers must exhibit
loving , caring , courteous, sharing and strong ties amongst themselves.
Islam requires such attitude from all committed believing individuals who
attempt practice true and sound Islamic practices in an attempt to emulate
the beloved prophet, Mohammed, PBUH who said: “ A believer to another is
like the bricks of a building. One strengthen and strongly holds the other
tightly and firmly in place.” This Hadith is reported by both Bukhari and
Muslim.
C) Offer the best advice you have, if sought:
It is crucial to offer a
person who asks , your honest opinion and advice, to offer the best advice
you know or you can think of in his favor. This is an act of pure faith. A
Muslim is obliged to offer the best advice to all those who seek advice .
Allah’s Apostle, PBUH said: The religion ( in great part) is but a true sincere
, ethical , pure and honest advice to Allah’s Apostle , PBUH, the Book of
Allah , the Prophet of Allah ,
the Almighty , and to the general Muslim leaders , rulers and governors.”
This Hadith is reported by Muslim.
As for the Muslim person
who does not seek your advice, but you notice that he might be harming
himself in whatever he is doing , then it becomes your essential and
obligatory duty to offer him suitable advice even if he did not ask for it.
This act of a true committed Muslim is a reflection of his care for the
welfare of Muslim in general , as well as. Reflects , exhibits and
demonstrated his social awareness , commitment and concern for a better
society and social ties.
D) Say :” Yarhamoka Allah” if one sneezes before you:
If a Muslim sneezes before
an other Muslim , and praised Allah, the Almighty , to keep him alive ,
remove his harm and cure him from all his ailments , then such a Muslim is
entitled for a supplication . The Muslim who hears such the praise to Allah
, the Almighty , must repeat the statement : “ Yarhamukum Allah” ( May
Allah , the Almighty be merciful to you )” such statement of supplication
must be offered to the person if he sneezed one , twice or three times in
arrow. If such a person sneezes a fourth time , then it is an indication
that they might be contracting a bad cold , allergy or something of that
nature. Thus , the person who hears this and the praising of Allah , the
Almighty must tell him : ‘ Afakum Allah ( May Allah , the Almighty , cure
you)”.
But, if the person sneezing
does not audibly praise Allah, the Almighty , then they may not be entitled
for such application , as he is not deserving of the mercy of Allah , the
Almighty, because he did not praise Him in the first place.
Offering this supplication
phrase to a sneezing Muslim is , in fact an obligatory act upon Muslim
individuals who hears the praise. On the other hand , the person sneezing
must respond with an even nicer supplication as follows : “ Yahdeekum Allah, wa Yuslihu Balakum
( May Allah , the Almighty, guide you to the best deeds and acts , and give
you the peace of mind and heart”)
In realty, such an act will
increase concern amongst Muslim Individuals , and consequently, increase
love and affection. It is interesting to see that some westerners, as well
, agree with Muslims on this item. We often hear them saying to a person
who has sneezed: “ Bless you,” seeking the blessing or may be cure for such
an individual . This is one coincidence showing human nature is the same
regardless of religious adherence and commitments. This is however, must be
supported with real practice for the entire religion , as Islam is a
wholesome religion that is practices in totality , not in a separate
matters in life only.
Muslim concern for the
welfare and well-being of each other is ideal , for those who really commit
themselves to true , sound and authentic Islamic practices.
E) Pay a visit if he
gets ill:
A Muslim must visit an ill
Muslim. The stronger the ties with an ill person, such as to be a close
friend , a relative , a neighbor, am associate, a work colleague or even an
acquaintance , the more such a visit is emphasized. An ill person will see
that he is not left alone during this time of difficulty , pain and
affliction. Moreover, a visitor ‘s faith grows stronger and deeper in
Allah, the Almighty , who is the Only One Who is capable of causing
illness, and capable of granting a cure. A healthy Muslim who pays a visit
to an ill person shall feel the bounty of Allah, the Almighty. He will
share some of the pain , lonesomeness and discomfort of the ill person. On
the other hand , the visitor may offer the ill person some prayers,
supplications , encouragement , moral support and good wishes for speedy
recovery , things that an ill person really needs. This shows how Islam
deals with real life issues. Disease are not a curse upon man. They are
only reminder with the power of the Almighty , they are times that make the
individual closer to His Lord through the serve and painful tests
undertaken in this stage of life.
Visiting an ill person must
relative to the patient’s situation. It should not be a burden and bother
to the patient. It should vary in length , conversation and gifts in
accordance to situation of the patient himself. It might be better fro the
patient to have fewer visitors at one point or an other of his state of
illness. The patient nay be required not to talk and socialize , or might
be restricted from certain food items. All these cases must be observed by
the visitors and instructions of treating physician must not be
disrespected or violated regardless of the closeness to the patient.
A Muslim who visit an other
Muslim ill person should briefly ask about the feelings of the ill person,
offer him a prayer, supplication and good wishes, offer him some
encouraging statements increasing the hope of the patient in speedy , full
and permanent recovery , reminding him with the wonderful abilities of the
Lord, the Almighty to cure the worst cases of diseases. This , in fact ,
gives the ill person a strong moral and spiritual push for speedy recovery.
Negative remarks , particularly about death , should be avoided while
visiting an ill person. A Muslim visitor must remind the ill person to
maintain contact with Allah , the Almighty , during his stage of illness,
as one is closer to His Lord while confined to bed, room or hospital.
Therefore , it much recommended that such a person maintain intense ,
continuous and constant supplication and prayers during the illness.
F) Follow his funeral to his final place ( burial):
Upon death of a Muslim ,
Muslims are urged , required and encouraged to follow the funeral of the
deceased person. This act will rewarded by Allah, the Almighty. It is
well-documented that Allah’s Apostle , PBUH said :” He whosoever follow a
funeral of a deceased Muslim until funeral prayer is offered unto it will
be entitled for one “QUERAT” (Fold) of reward. And if one follows the
funeral parade until it reaches its final destiny , to the grave yard where
a deceased will buried , then such a person is entitled for two “QUERATS” (
Two folds).” When the prophet ,PBUH was asked about the value of the querat
, he said : “ It is like the size of a great mountain.” This Hadith is
reported by both Bukhari and Muslim.
An additional or seventh
right to be observed is the avoidance of causing harm to others:
It is an essential right of
Muslims unto each other to stop any harm caused to him. Truly, harming
other Muslims in any way , shape , form or fashion is a great sin that is
punishable by Allah, the Almighty. Allah , the Almighty stated in the
glorious Quran :
“ And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly ,
bear (on themselves) a calamity and a glaring sin.” 33:58
It is generally noted that
people who attack Muslim and annoy them for no real reason will be punished
in this world before the hereafter. Allah’s Apostle , PBUH said: “ (O
Muslims!) Don not hate each other . Do not split a part from each other.
Let you all be like brethren. A Muslim individual is brother for his Muslim
brethren . One must not oppress him , harass him, cause any harm to him,
leave him alone in case of need or discern him. It suffices Muslim of evil
acts to discern his fellow Muslim. Every thing a Muslim has, possesses or
owns is unlawful for another Muslim to take away , strip or overtake by
force or unlawful means from the owner, let this be blood, wealth or his
clean reputation.” This Hadith is reported by Muslim.
In fact, there are many
other rights of a Muslim upon his Muslim brethren. These rights are be
easily summed up with the statement of Allah’s Apostle , PBUH : “ The
Muslim is a brethren to an other Muslim.” One must seek all good and noble
acts , deeds, attitude and behavior to be good, protective , considerate
and kind to his Muslim brother. This is a thing that coincides with human
nature , improves the of an individual , strengthen social , economical and
humanitarians ties amongst people and makes a Muslim individual a better
citizen all in all.
Shaikh Mohammed Saleh
Alothaimeen
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