The Alliance of Believers and Islamic Brotherhood

Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمہ اللہ)

Chapter: The Friendship and Alliance of Believers​

Quranic Foundation of Brotherhood Among Believers​

Allah Says:
“The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong, establish prayer, give zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. It is they upon whom Allah will have mercy. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”
(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:71)

This verse highlights the mutual support and alliance of the believers, rooted in shared responsibilities such as commanding good, forbidding evil, establishing prayer, and paying zakah, with the ultimate reward being Allah's mercy.

Hadiths on Believers’ Alliance and Brotherhood​

1. True Allies are Righteous Believers
✿ «عن عمرو بن العاص، قال: سمعت النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم جهارا غير سر يقول: إن آل ابي، قال عمرو: فى كتاب محمد بن جعفر بياض ليسوا باوليائي، إنما وليي الله وصالح المؤمنين، وفي رواية البخاري : ولكن لهم رحم ابلها ببلاها. » [متفق عليه: رواه البخاري 5990 و مسلم 215.]

Translation: Amr bin Al-As (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) openly proclaim, not secretly: "Indeed, the family of my father (Amr added that there was an unclear space in the manuscript by Muhammad bin Ja’far) are not my allies. My allies are none but Allah and the righteous believers." In another narration by Bukhari, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "However, there are ties of kinship which I shall uphold and maintain."

Key Lessons from the Quran and Hadith​

1. Believers as Allies:
   
   • The Quran emphasizes that believers—both men and women—are allies, reflecting unity and mutual responsibility.
   • This alliance is built on shared religious obligations like enjoining good and forbidding evil.
2. Righteousness as a Criterion for Alliance:
   
   • The Hadith underscores that true alliance is not based solely on familial ties but on righteousness and shared faith in Allah.
3. Maintaining Family Ties:
   
   • While the focus of alliance is on shared faith, the Prophet (ﷺ) also emphasized the importance of maintaining familial ties, reflecting a balance between faith and kinship.
4. Comprehensive Brotherhood:
   
   • Islamic brotherhood transcends race, nationality, or lineage and is rooted in shared belief and mutual responsibilities.

Practical Implications​

1. Foster Unity Among Believers:
   
   • Strengthen bonds with fellow Muslims based on shared values and mutual care.
2. Command Good, Forbid Evil:
   
   • Encourage righteousness and discourage wrongdoing within the Muslim community as an expression of alliance.
3. Balance Kinship and Faith:
   
   • While prioritizing alliances with righteous believers, maintain and honor family relationships as guided by the Prophet (ﷺ).
4. Build a Supportive Community:
   
   • Actively contribute to the spiritual and material well-being of fellow believers.

Conclusion​

The alliance and brotherhood among believers form the foundation of a harmonious and supportive Muslim community. Rooted in shared faith and responsibilities, this bond transcends mere social or familial connections. Muslims are encouraged to foster unity, uphold righteousness, and maintain ties of kinship in accordance with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.