fraternity - shianeali.com and cooperation... · muhammad and his pure and cleansed progeny. also...

FRATERNITYAND

COOPERATIONIN ISLAM

Translated from the Persian

TEHRAN -IRAN

Presented by www.ziaraat.com

Revised edition 1403/1983Seventh edition 1418/1998

Published by:World Organization for Islamic Services,

P. 0. Box 11365-1545,Tehran - 15837,

ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN.


Presented By www.ShianeAli.com

In the Name of Allah,The All-compassionate, The All-merciful

Praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of all being;the All-compassionate, the All-merciful;

the Master of the Day of Judgement;Thee only we serve, and to Thee alone we pray

for succour;Guide us in the straight path;

the path of those whom Thou hast blessed,not of those against whom Thou art wrathful,

nor of those who are astray.

* * * * *

O' Allah! send your blessings to the head ofyour, messengers and the last of

your prophets,Muhammad and his pure and cleansed progeny.

Also send your blessings to all yourprophets and envoys.



Dear Reader,

The book you now have in hand is one ofthe many Islamic publications distributed bythis Organization throughout the world in different languages with the aim of conveying themessage of Islam to the people of the world.

You may read this book carefully andshould you be interested to have further studyon such publications you can contact us througha letter. Naturally, if we find you to be a keenand energetic reader we shall give you a deserv-ing response in sending you some other publica-tions of this Organization.



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Meanwhile, you can keep our address at thedisposal of your friends and those individualsinterested in Islamic studies.

Publication Secretary,

World Organization for Islamic Services.

( WOFIS).



CONTENTS

List of Transliteration ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 11

Fraternity in Islam ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 13

Cooperation ( muwasaat) in Islam ... ... .... 27



TRANSLITERATION



FRATERNITY IN ISLAM

One of the strongest links joining peopletogether is the relationship of brotherhood.People love and sympathize with each other andshare in the delights and miseries of their fellowbrethren.

There is the possibility of occasional dif-ferences between them, but soon it is changedinto love and affection through forgiveness.

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FRATERNITY AND COOPERATION IN ISLAM

As Islam aims at solidarity of societyand strengthening human relations, it hasfostered this relationship and has declaredthat all Muslims and believers are brothersto each other.

Islam regards the Holy Prophet Muhammad(s. a.w. a.w.) * as the father and all Muslims ashis children; therefore the Muslims are brothersto each other.

This feeling of brotherhood of Islamknows no boundary whatsoever, and all Mus-lims irrespective of their colour, place of birthand language, are equal and brothers to eachother.

*

(s.a.w.a.w.) is the abbreviation of Arabic phrasesal 'Allahu `alayhi wa aalihi wa sallam (may Allah'spcace and benediction be upon him and his progeny).

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nayeb

FRATERNITY IN ISLAM

The Qur'an dictates

The believers are but brothers to eachother, so make reconciliation betweenyour two brothers, and fear Allah thatyou may receive mercy. (49:10)

As is evident from History, the pre-Islamicperiod was full of hatred, enmity and strifeamongst people. Islam, through its teachings,infused a new life of fraternity in humanity,thus giving rise to Islamic brotherhood.

The Qur'an again emphasizes this point

1 5




And hold fast all together by the ropeof Allah and be not divided among your-selves, and remember Allah's bounty onyou, for you were enemies and He joinedyour hearts in love, so that by His Grace,you became brethren; and you were onthe brink of the pit of fire; and He saved

you from it . . (3:103).

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http://it

http://it

FRATERNITY IN ISLAM

Islam has laid down the mutual rights andobligations of Muslims towards each other andthey are obliged to discharge the same.

al-Imam Zaynu '1-'Abidin (a. s.) * has writ-ten in his Risalatu '1-huquq

*

(a.s.) is the abbreviation of Arabic phrase ` aalay-hi /ha / himu 's-salam ( may peace be upon him/her/them).

1 7



nayeb


And it is the duty of your fellow co-relig-ionists in gereral to have peaceful feelingsamongst them, and to spread the wings ofmercy upon them; to be gentle towards thewrong doers among them and to reformthem (by earning their love); to be grate-ful to those who are virtuous in their char-acter or are generous towards you; because

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FRATERNITY IN ISLAM

their righteousness of character (withoutany apparent of benefits to you) is in itselfa generosity towards you, as they have thussaved you from their misbehaviour andspared you the effort of protecting yourselffrom them, and kept their troubles awayfrom you.

Therefore, pray, while you pray, for all ofthem and treat all Muslims according totheir proper position. Keep the elders inthe position of your father, the youngersin the place of your child, the contempo-raries in the position of your brother.

Thus, treat any of them who comes to youwith grace and love; and convey to your( Muslim) brother whatever is incumbenton a brother from a brother. (Tuhafu '1-`uqul, p.195)

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saidThe sixth Imam, Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.)

A Muslim is brother of another Muslim,and he is his eyes (to look through goodand evil) and his mirror (to point out hismerits and demerits) and his guide. Neverdoes he betray him nor does any injusticeto him nor deceives him nor tells him anylie nor backbites him. (al-Kafi, vol. 2,p.166)

20



FRATERNITY IN ISLAM

The Holy Prophet said about the mutualrights of Muslims towards each other

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. . . (A Muslim) must forgive the mistakes(of his fellow Muslim) and should sym-phathize (with him) in his distress; shouldcover his defects and pardon his slips;should accept his apology, protect himin his absence (against his backbiters) andcontinue giving him good advices; shouldpreserve his friendship ... visit him insickness ... accept his invitation and gift,and equally compensate his favour; shouldhave regard for his affection; talk to himgently ... and love his friends and shouldnot be jealous of them ... should notleave

him in the thick of miseries and(lastly)

should like for him whatevergood he likes for himself, and shouldhate for him whatever evil he hates forhimself. (Biharu '1-anwar, Kitabu '1-`ishrah,vol. 74, p. 236)

2 2



FRATERNITY IN ISLAM

The sixth Imam, Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said:

23




Like for your Muslim brother what youlike for yourself. In the event of need, askfrom him, and if he asks for something giveit to him. Do not be reluctant in doing agood to him and he should not be reluctantin doing a good to you. Be his support be-cause he is your support. Protect him in hisabsence and visit him when he is present.Respect him and have regard for him sincehe is from you and you are from him. Ifhe becomes angry do not break off yourrelation with him, but accept his excuseinstead. If good befalls him, thank Allah(on his behalf ) , and if he is in trouble, rushto his help. If his enemies deceive or try totrap him, help him and protect him fromvictimization. (al-Kafi, vo1.3, p.170)

The above examples show how Islam hasemphasized the fraternal rights of Muslims.

24



FRATERNITY IN ISLAM

Apart from these general rules, Islam has laiddown detailed rules which deal with the dutiesof Muslims towards each other in all walks oflife and which have been much emphasized bythe leaders of Islam.

25



COOPERATION (MUWASAAT)IN ISLAM

"muwasaat "

means helping brethren inIslam and extending material support to them.It has a great importance in religion due to thereason that it plays a vital role in the better-ment of depressed classes and creates feelingof love amongst Muslims. It is considered asan essential virtue of every Muslim and bringsdivine blessings in return.

27



FRATERNITY AND COOPERATION IS ISLAM

al-Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a. s.) said:

Seek nearness to Almighty Allah throughhelping your (Muslim) brothers. (al-Khisal,by ash-Shaykh as-Saduq, vol. l, p.8).

The Holy Prophet in one of his testamentsto `Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) said

28



COOPERATION IN ISLAM

The most commendable are three deeds:-

First is being just to the people even againstyourself. Secondly, cooperation and ma-terial help to (Muslim) brothers. Thirdly,rememberance of Allah in all circumstances.(al-Khisal, vol. 1, p.125)

al-Imam `Ali ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) said

Helping the brothers-in-Allah (fellow Mus-lims) increases sustenance. (al-Khisal, vol. 2,p.505)

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FRATERNITY AND COOPERATION IS ISLAM

al-Waqidi, the famous historian of al-Ma-mun's period, narrates

"I had two very close friends, one of whomwas a Hashimite. Truly speaking, we were onespirit in three bodies. Once, on the occasion of`id (Islamic festival), I was reduced to poverty.My wife told me that we could face together allthe hardships boldly, but her heart was burningfor the children. They were looking at otherchildren wearing new dresses and making jubi-lant preparation for `id; whereas their lot wasworn and torn clothes. She asked me, if possible,to arrange some money for buying dresses forthem.

"I thought and thought but could not findany way of obtaining money. At last, I wrotea letter to my Hashimite friend for help. Myfriend sent me a sealed packet containing one

30




thousand Dirhams. Before I could open the pack-et, a message came from my second friend witha request of help, I sent him the same packetintact and went to the mosque, heart-brokenand depressed, I passed the whole night in themosque as I could not bring myself to face mywife. But when I went home next morning, tomy great surprise, my wife welcomed me witha smiling face and expressed her unboundedpleasure for the help I had rendered to myfriend.

"It was then that my Hashimite friendcame to me and asked me what I had donewith the money he had sent me the day before.I narrated to him the whole story. He benthis head for a moment, then told me that onreceipt of my message, he had sent me what-ever he had, but then to meet his own require-ments he wrote to the third friend for help.

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The third friend sent him the same sealedpacket. My first friend was extremely puzzledby this mystery, till I solved it."

al-Waqidi further adds: "Then we dividedthat amount equally amongst us at the rate ofthree hundred Dirhams each, and the remainingone hundred Dirhams was the share of my wife.

"Caliph al-Ma'mun hearing this uniquestory called me, and I narrated the whole event.al-Ma'mun awarded us two thousand Dirhamseach and one thousand to my wife."

( Muruju

'dh-dhahab by Mas'udi, Beirut 1966, vol.3,p.446)

This historical event describes the feelingof a few Muslims who had learnt their lessonsfrom the Qur'an. See how the spirit of cooperation and fraternity had enlivened their livesas a result of Islamic teachings.

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The early history of Islam is full of suchevents which clearly show the spirit of fraternityand brotherhood which governed the wholelife of the Muslims.

In the battle of Uhud, which was oneof the most hard-fought battles of Islam, theMuslims set high examples of self-sacrifice andmany of them were martyred, fighting bravely.

Many of them fell in the battlefield halfalive amongst them were seven stalwarts, fatallyinjured every breath seemed the last breath. Allof them were feeling the pangs of thirst. Some-one came to them with a small quantity ofwater, hardly sufficent for a single soul.

The water-bearer offered drink to one ofthem but he directed him towards the nextMuslim brother lying by his side. This second

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FRATERMITY AND COOPERATION IN ISLAM

soldier sent him to the third one who directedhim to the fourth; and so it went on till hereached the seventh soldier. When the seventhsoldier was approached, he told him that sincethe first soldier was very thirsty, he should begiven water first.

The water-bearer then returned to thefirst soldier and found that he had died. Thenhe went to the second and third who also hadexpired. This happened with each of them, tillapproaching the last soldier he found thatmeanwhile he also had died. All of them diedthirsty setting excellent practical example ofIslamic brotherhood and self-sacrifice.

This is a lesson from the school of theHoly Prophet which was followed by his truefollowers in every walk of life even under themost difficult circumstances.

34




It is an irony of fate that we have abandon-ed such spiritual teachings and golden principlesand drifting with the current of non-cooperationand selfishness which are undoubtedly the giftof un-Islamic societies. Let us keep in mind thatthis trend is a violation of Islamic idealogy, andMuslims should never turn deaf ears to the hard-ships and problems of their fellow-Muslims.

The Holy Prophet said:

One who starts his day without caring(about) the affairs of the Muslims, is nota Muslim. (al-Kafi, vol. 2, p.163)

35




al-Imam Ja'far as-Sddiq (a.s.) said:

The best amongst you are those who aregenerous and the worst are the misers;one of the most desired deeds is to dogood to Muslim brethren and try to ful.fil their needs. This deed weakens Satan,safe-guards against the Fire (of Hell)and leads one to Paradise. ( Amali, ash-Shaykh at-Tusi, vol. 1, p.66)

36




A man approached the Holy Prophet ofIslam and complained of hunger. The HolyProphet sent someone to the houses of hisfamilies but, unfortunately, none of the familieshad any food.

The Holy Prophet then turned to thosewho were in his presence and asked, "Who canhost this man tonight?" al-Imam Àli (a.s.)offered his services, took his hand and left forhis house.

Then he asked his wife, Sayyidah Fatimah(a.s.), "What food do we have?" She replied,"A little provision enough for children only."Àli (a.s.) told her, "The guest must be con-sidered first before ourselves and the children."

Fatimah (a.s.) had to make a great effortto put her children to sleep since they werehungry. Àli (a.s.) offered the guest whatever

37




he had, and, pretending to set the lamp right, putit out; he invited the guest to the food in thedarkness of the room and himself sat therepretending he was also eating, though, in fact,he did not take a single morsel. 'Ali, Fatimahand their children fed the guest for the pleasureof Allah and remained hungry themselves.

Allah praises their sacrifice in these words:

. . . And they give (others) preferenceover themselves, even though poverty betheir own lot . . . (Qur'an, 59:9)

Of course, this type of self-denial is notpossible for every one; and only a man like 'Ali(a.s.) could perform such deeds. Islam, there-

38




fore, does not compel its followers to do similardeeds. What actually Islam has made compulsoryis brotherhood and cooperation, which meansthat a Muslim must help his Muslim brother ifhe is in hardship and trouble. A part of his re-sources should be reserved for the benefit ofneedy persons. He must visit sick persons andsympathize with them, should be like a fatherto orphans, and should participate in all worksof general welfare, and should be helpful tothose in distress.

A Greek remained with Àli (a.s.) for aconsiderable period, making inquiries aboutIslam. Once he was convinced of the truth ofIslam, he embraced Islam at the hands of Àli(a.s.). Then, Àli (a.s.) informed him abouthis duties as a Muslim. During that discourse,he said

39




I direct you to help your brethren who arethe followers of Muhammad (peace be up-on him and his progeny) and mine, assistthem from the wealth which Allah has givenyou, fulfil their needs, redress their troublesand behave with them, with friendship andlove.

(al-Ihtijaj, at-Tabarsi, vol.l, p. 354)

40




al-Imam `Ali ibn Musa ar-Rida (a.s.) said:

41




It is the duty of a believer towards anotherbeliever to have his love in his heart, toassist him with his wealth, and to stand byhis side against one who does injustice tohim . . . He should never trouble, deceive,cheat, abandon or backbite him, nor tell alie to him . . . One who presents a dress tohis Muslim brother, Allah will reward himwith a robe of paradise; and one who lendsmoney to his Muslim brother for the plea-sure of Allah, gets the reward of charity inreturn; and one who relieves his religiousbrother from pain and distress, Allah willrelieve him of the pain of the next world.(Biharu '1- anwar, vol. 74, pp.232-233)

Safwan al-Jammal narrates:

"While I was sitting with al-Imam Ja'faras-Sadiq (a.s.) a Meccan arrived and told him

42




that he had no money to return to his home.The Imam directed me to help that person.After great efforts, I arranged the fare for himand returned to the Imam. The Imam asked,` What did you do about your brother?' 'By thegrace of Allah his need was fulfilled,' I replied.The Imam said, 'Know that helping a Muslimbrother is more liked by me than doing tawaf(circumambulation) of the House of Allah forseven times.' The Imam then added:

" 'A man approached al-Imam al-Hasan (a.s.)with the request of help. The Imam at once puton his shoes and went with him. They passedon the way a place where al-Imam al-Husayn(a. s.) was engaged in - prayers. al-Imam al -Hasanasked the person, "Why did you not approachal-Husayn to alleviate your troubles?' He re-plied, 'O son of the Messenger of Allah, I want-ed to go to him; but I was informed that he was

43




in i'tikaf ( meditation), therefore, I did notgo to him.' The Imam said, `Had he got theopportunity to help you it would have beenfar better for him than one month's i'tikaf.' "

(al-Kafi, vol.2, p.198)

al-Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a. s.) said:

Whenever a Muslim fulfils the needs of aMuslim brother, Allah says, "Your rewardis upon me, and I will not be happy withless than Paradise for you." (Qurbu '1-isnad, p. 19)

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A Shi'ah of Kufah (Iraq) named 'Abdu '1-A'la left for Medina. The followers of al-ImamJa'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) gave him their problemsin writing and asked him to bring the repliesfrom the Imam. Also they asked him to requestthe Imam to explain the rights which a Muslimhas upon other Muslim brethren.

'Abdu'1-A'la says that when he reached the

Imam, he replied to all the questions but did notsay anything about the rights of Muslims uponeach other. He went to the Imam several times,but still there was silence. At the end of his stayhe went to take leave of the Imam and said thatthat particular question of that day was stillunanswered.

The Imam said: "I deliberately avoided thisissue." 'Abdu'l-A'la asked, "Why?" The Imamsaid, "Because I am afraid that if I tell you the

45



FRATERNITY AND COOPERATION IN ISALM

same and you do not follow it faithfully, youwill go against the religion of Allah." Then,the Imam explained

"Verily, the most difficult of the thingswhich Allah has obliged his servants to do, arethree things: -

"First, doing justice between himself andothers; it means that he should do to others ashe wants done to himself.

"Second, he should help his Muslim breth-ren by assisting them with his wealth.

"Third, he should always remember Allah.And when I say `should remember Allah,' I donot mean that he should always recite subhana' llah (Glory to Allah) and al-hamdu li'llah (Praisebelongs to Allah). But I mean that if he intends

46




to do an unlawful deed, he must rememberAllah and refrain from that sin." (al-Kafi, vol. 2,p.170; Biharu '1-anwar, vol. 74, p. 242).

These teachings had such an influence onthe lives of the followers of Islam that theirnoble behaviour could not be compared withany other nation, as we have seen some exam-ples in the preceding pages; history is full ofstories of such brotherhood and cooperation.

Centuries have passed since the dawn of Is-lam and the world has achieved what is calledtechnical and scientific development; but thesehuman virtues are conspicuous by their absencein those so-called advanced countries.

One of the writers, writes about mutual rela-tionship of the Europeans

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"Relationship between the people is coldand devoid of deep-rooted affection. Sincereand heart-felt love, which is one of the nobleemotions and brightens the life, appears to belost in the machine-wheels of industries. Theyare not aware of sympathy, let alone self-sacri-fice, and probably the friends of an individualmay be counted on fingers.

"When I was admitted to a hospital inGermany the number of my visitors was notgreat; still it could be said that I had morevisitors than all the patients in that hospital.This was a matter of wonder and interest tothe staff of the hospital, because it was ex-tremely rare that a German came to visit anysick person even of his own family.

"It will be pertinent to mention an inter-esting incident which is a living example of

48




"love" and "fraternity" in civilized nations.

"A few years ago, a professor of a GermanUniversity, embraced Islam at the hands of thePresident of Islamic Community at Hamburg.After sometime, he became sick and was admit-ted in a hospital for treatment.

"The President of Islamic Commuity cameto know of his illness and went to see him at thehospital. He found the professor in a sad andpathetic mood, and asked him to explain thecause of so much sorrow.

"The professor, who had not said a singleword yet and seemed lost in his forebodings,now narrated this incredible story:

"'Today my wife and son came to see me.They were informed by the officials of the hos-

49




pital that I was suferring from cancer. Whiledeparting they told me that since cancer hadbrought me at the verge of death and I couldnot survive more than a few days, they bid megood-bye and wished to be excused from visit-ing me again.' Then the patient continued.' My spiritual torture and apparent sorrow isnot because the door of hope is shut before meand I am expecting to die soon; but it is becauseof the unjust and inhumane attitude of my

wife and son which is more torturing than thewarrant of death.'

"The President of Islamic Community wasgreatly touched by his pitiable condition andtold him: 'Islam has emphasized on visiting thepatients; and I will keep on visiting you when-ever I get some free time, and will perform myreligious duties.' These words consoled thetortured professor to a great extent.

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"His condition was fast deteriorating andhe died after a few days. The President ofIslamic Community made arrangement for hisburial according to Islam and some Muslimswent to the hospital and brought the dead bodyto the graveyard.

"While burial was in progress, a young manin a furious mood came rushing and enquiredabout the dead body of the professor.

"'But what relation do you have with thedeceased?' People asked him. `Well, he was myfather and I have come to hand over his deadbody to the hospital, because just before hisdeath, I had sold his body to the hospital forthirty Marks.'

"Though he tried to create much trouble,as the Muslims did not yield, he had to surrender.

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When asked of his occupation, the young mansaid that he worked in a factory in the morningsand decorated dogs in the afternoons."

This bitter incident shows how much theso-called civilized world has become devoid ofhuman affection and love.

Today, retrogression of humanity fromthe view point of moral values and the over-whelming evils of society cannot be glossed over.Great thinkers, while admitting this bitter fact,are looking to find a remedy; and are very muchworried because of this undesireable condition.They realize the malady and appreciate that anew world can only be created if the presentday lawlessness and permissiveness are removedand the foundation of the new society is laidupon faith and virtues.

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The people surrounded by this type of so-ciety admit that their life is an empty one; andthat this kind of living cannot bring humanityto any good. It will be better for you to hearthis confession from General Dwight D. Eisen-hower, as U.S.A. President, when he was taking

the oath of his office:

"Our affluent society rests on shaky moralgrounds. We reach the moon and pollute theearth. We long for peace and go to war. An agethat has split the atom must heal the splits inhumanity. Empty hands must be filled withwork, empty stomachs with food, and emptyhearts with satisfaction. To cure the moral crisisthat blights our world, each of us need onlylook to ourselves. If we each listen to the stillsmall voice of conscience we shall soon perceivethat simple basic things, like goodness, purity,unselfishness, love, integrity, are our greatest

53




and most priceless treasure."

When one looks at these facts, one is boundto stand respectfully before the Law-giver ofIslam.

The Law-giver, giving full consideration toall materials, spiritual and natural requirementsof human beings, has brought the excellent lawswhich are in complete harmony with basic hu-man nature and fulfil all its needs.

These laws have been acted upon for cen-turies and have produced happy results.

The laws were not just some letters inbooks; but were enforced both in letter andspirit, and their enforcement did not createany problem.

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In the end, it should be remembered thatall Muslims are duty-bound to propagate theteachings of Islam in their prestine purity. Es-pecially, they must acquaint their youths withthis divine teachings, so that the spirit of brother-hood and cooperation (which is a living factorof Muslim society) becomes stronger and strong-er; and under the protection of that brother-hood and cooperation we march forward toprosperity and happiness.

THE END

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