Hadith #740

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his righteous companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of fulfilling the rights of our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. Let us delve into the meaning of this impactful saying and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The key words in this Hadith are (rights) "حَقَّ" and (brother) "أخ". "حَقَّ" refers to the rights and entitlements that individuals have over one another in various aspects of life, such as financial, social, and moral obligations. These rights are based on the principles of justice and fairness. "أخ" denotes the concept of brotherhood in Islam, which extends beyond blood relations and encompasses the bond of faith and unity among Muslims.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of fulfilling the rights of others in numerous verses of the Quran. For example, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:8), Allah says,

And do not let the hatred of a people for having obstructed you from al-Masjid al-Haram lead you to transgress. And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.

This verse highlights the need for Muslims to cooperate with one another in acts of righteousness and piety, while avoiding any form of transgression or injustice. Neglecting the rights of others due to a false sense of security in our relationship with them is a form of transgression and goes against the teachings of Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:10), Allah states,

The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.

This verse emphasizes the unity and brotherhood among believers and encourages them to resolve conflicts and disputes in a just and fair manner. Neglecting the rights of our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters contradicts the spirit of brotherhood that Islam promotes.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) hadith serves as a reminder that our close relationship with someone should not lead us to neglect their rights. We should not take advantage of the trust and confidence placed in us by our brothers and sisters. Neglecting their rights not only harms them but also damages the fabric of the Muslim community.

For example, if we owe someone money and we neglect to repay them, we are violating their right to receive what is rightfully theirs. This not only damages our relationship with that individual but also undermines the trust and unity within the Muslim community. Similarly, if we spread false rumors or backbite about our brothers and sisters, we are neglecting their right to a good reputation and causing harm to their social standing.

The consequences of neglecting the rights of our fellow Muslims are far-reaching. It can lead to resentment, division, and the breakdown of trust within the community. It can also result in a loss of blessings and forgiveness from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). Therefore, it is essential for us to be mindful of our responsibilities towards others and to fulfill their rights with sincerity and integrity.

Reflecting on this hadith, we should strive to be conscientious in our interactions with others, ensuring that we do not neglect their rights. We should be proactive in fulfilling our obligations towards our fellow Muslims, treating them with kindness, fairness, and respect. By doing so, we uphold the principles of justice and brotherhood that Islam teaches us, and we contribute to the strength and unity of the Muslim ummah.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in fulfilling the rights of our brothers and sisters and grant us the wisdom and understanding to uphold justice and unity within the Muslim community.