The Importance of Brotherhood and Agreements in Islam

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

Chapter: Brotherhood and Agreements

Brotherhood and Agreements in Islam

Evidence from Hadith

1. Hadith on the Prophet’s Agreement between Quraysh and Ansar
عن عام الأحول قال : قلت لانس بن مالك أبلغك أن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال: لا حلف فى الإسلام فقال: قد حلف النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم بين قريش والأنصار فى داري. » [متفق عليه: رواه البخاري 6083 ومسلم 204:2529 .]


Translation: Asim Ahwal narrated that he asked Anas bin Malik (رضي اللہ عنہ): “Did you hear that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘There is no agreement in Islam’?” Anas bin Malik (رضي اللہ عنہ) replied: “The Prophet (ﷺ) made an agreement between the Quraysh and the Ansar in my house.”

2. Brotherhood Between Abdul Rahman bin Awf and Sa’d bin Rabi’
«عن انس رضي الله عنه، قال: قدم علينا عبد الرحمن بن عوف، فآخى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم بينه وبين سعد بن الربيع».» [صحيح: رواه البخاري 2293]


Translation: Anas bin Malik (رضي اللہ عنہ) narrated that when Abdul Rahman bin Awf (رضي اللہ عنہ) migrated to Madinah, the Prophet (ﷺ) established brotherhood between him and Sa’d bin Rabi’ (رضي اللہ عنہ).

3. Agreements in Islam and Pre-Islamic Times
«عن جبير بن مطعم قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال : لا حلف فى الإسلام وايما حلف كان فى الجاهلية لم يزده الإسلام إلا شدة.» [صحيح: رواه مسلم 2530.]


Translation: Jubair bin Mut’im (رضي اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There is no agreement in Islam, but any agreement from the pre-Islamic period is further strengthened by Islam.”

4. Fulfillment of Agreements from Pre-Islamic Times
«عن عمرو بن شعيب، عن ابيه، عن جده، ان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال : لما فتح على الرسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم مكة قال : فذكر الخطبة بطولها وجاء فيها : واوفوا بحلف الجاهلية، فإن الإسلام لا يزده، إلا شدة، ولا تحدثوا حلفا فى الإسلام.» [حسن: رواه أحمد 6933، والترمذي 1585]


Translation: Amr bin Shu’aib, narrating from his father and grandfather, reported that when the Prophet (ﷺ) conquered Makkah, he delivered a lengthy sermon in which he said: “Fulfill the agreements from the pre-Islamic period, for Islam only strengthens them. Do not create new agreements in Islam.”

5. Upholding Agreements Even Over Worldly Gains
«عن ابن عباس قال: قال رسول الله : لا حلف فى الإسلام وكل حلف كان فى الجالية فلم يزده الإسلام إلا شدة وما يسرني أن لي حمر النعم وأني نقضت الحلف الذى كان فى دار الندو.» [حسن: رواه ابن جرير الطبري فى تفسيره 683/6]


Translation: Ibn Abbas (رضي اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “There is no agreement in Islam, but all agreements made in the pre-Islamic period are further strengthened by Islam. Even if I were given red camels, I would not prefer to break the agreement made in Dar al-Nadwa.”

Key Lessons from the Hadiths

  1. Brotherhood in Islam: The Prophet (ﷺ) established bonds of brotherhood between Muhajirun (migrants) and Ansar (helpers) to promote unity and support within the Muslim community.
  2. Respect for Pre-Islamic Agreements: Islam honors the agreements made in the pre-Islamic era, provided they align with Islamic principles, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and trustworthiness.
  3. Prohibition of New Agreements: New agreements, especially those conflicting with Islamic teachings, are discouraged to maintain the unity and integrity of the Muslim Ummah.

Conclusion

Islam places immense emphasis on brotherhood and the fulfillment of agreements. These principles foster unity, trust, and cooperation within society. Agreements from pre-Islamic times are not only recognized but also reinforced under Islamic values, highlighting the sanctity of one’s word and the importance of mutual respect and collaboration.
 
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