The Mutual Love, Mercy, and Rights Among Believers

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

Chapter: Compassion, Kindness, and Support Among Believers​

Hadiths on the Characteristics of Believers and Their Mutual Rights​

1. Believers Strengthen Each Other Like a Building
✿ «عن ابي موسى، عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال:” المؤمن للمؤمن كالبنيان يشد بعضه بعضا، ثم شبك بين اصابعه.» [متفق عليه: رواه البخاري 6026، ومسلم 2585: 65]

Translation: Abu Musa (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “A believer to another believer is like a building whose parts support one another.” Then he (ﷺ) interlaced his fingers to demonstrate.

2. Believers are Like One Body in Their Compassion
✿ «عن النعمان بن بشير، يقول: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم:” مثل المؤمنين فى توادهم وتراحمهم وتعاطفهم مثل الجسد، إذا اشتكى منه عضوا تداعى له سائر جسده بالسهر والحمى.» [متفق عليه: رواه البخاري 6011، ومسلم 2586.]

Translation: Nu’man bin Bashir (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “The believers, in their mutual love, compassion, and kindness, are like one body; when one part of the body suffers, the rest of the body responds with sleeplessness and fever.”

Key Lessons from the Hadiths​

1. Unity Among Believers:
   
   • The analogy of a building and a body illustrates the interconnectedness of believers, emphasizing unity and mutual support.
2. Compassion as a Defining Characteristic:
   
   • Believers are characterized by their love, mercy, and empathy for one another, which extends to alleviating each other’s suffering.
3. Collective Responsibility:
   
   • When one believer faces hardship, others should feel the impact and act to offer relief and support.
4. Strengthening Brotherhood:
   
   • The Hadiths encourage building a strong and harmonious community where members actively strengthen and support one another.

Practical Applications​

1. Extend Mercy and Compassion:
   
   • Show genuine concern for the well-being of fellow Muslims, whether emotional, spiritual, or material.
2. Support in Times of Need:
   
   • Respond to the needs of believers during hardships, providing help and comfort as part of the shared responsibility.
3. Promote Unity:
   
   • Avoid actions or words that cause division among Muslims; instead, foster understanding and solidarity.
4. Be an Active Participant in the Community:
   
   • Strengthen the bonds within the Muslim community by engaging in mutual assistance, collective worship, and acts of kindness.

Conclusion​

The Prophet (ﷺ) likened believers to a tightly-knit structure and a single body, underscoring the importance of love, compassion, and mutual support among Muslims. These teachings remind us that a strong community thrives on unity and collective responsibility, ensuring that no believer feels isolated in their struggles.