Strengthening Brotherhood in Ramadan

By Lateef Ajani Abdulsalam

Ramadan, the month during which all days are fasted, the month of the Qur’an – the greatest miracle sent to mankind – has arrived. This month contains a night (Laylatul Qadr) better than a thousand months. Minor sins are forgiven, and every night people are redeemed from Hell. Allah opens the gates of Paradise and shuts the gates of Hell. Satan and its entourage are chained down, and good deeds are rewarded with a multiplier effect.

Whoever witnesses this blessed month without participating in beneficial acts that earn forgiveness is doomed.

Abu Huraira reported in a Hadith graded as good that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, ascended the pulpit and said, “Amin, amin, amin.” It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, you ascended the pulpit and said amin, amin, amin.” The Prophet said, “Verily, Gabriel came to me and said: Whoever reaches the month of Ramadan and is not forgiven, then he will enter Hellfire, and Allah will cast him far away, so say amin.” I said, “Amin.”

Muslims are known to be their brothers’ keepers, anywhere and any day of their lives. They are like a building whose pillars reinforce each other or a body system whose parts work harmoniously to carry out a specific function. This is their state before Ramadan. With the virtues of Ramadan, brotherhood can be made even stronger in any or combination of the following ways:

Generosity: Extending charity and gifts to your relatives, associates, neighbors, etc., who are far or near, known or unknown, through zakat and sadaqah, will not only purify your wealth and prevent it from misfortunes but also increase it. The Prophet was reported to have said in an authentic narration that sadaqah (charity) does not decrease wealth.

Visitation: Paying a courtesy visit to relatives whom you’ve departed from long ago will strengthen the bond of relationship and increase love between them.

Honoring invitations: Welcoming your brother’s invitation and answering his call in times of dire need will go a long way in creating love.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “If one of you is invited for a meal, let him respond. If he is fasting, let him pray for the host. If he is not fasting, let him eat.”

Reconciliation: If there is any misunderstanding between you and your brother, this is the best time to overlook it and restore peace.

The believers are nothing else than brothers (in the Islamic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive mercy.
(Q49:10)

I pray that Allah grants success in what He loves and pleases with.