As Muslims we make one ummah; one nation that transcends across continents, races, and cultures. We are united by a bond that runs deep in our hearts; it is the bond of faith that unites us. Our brotherhood/sisterhood is not a mere friendship. Our connection is a relationship based on faith; it is an attachment in which each hopes the best for the other. Each helps and supports the other, and each wishes that the other's final abode will be Paradise. May Allah unite us all there in the highest ranks in Paradise.
We all are aware of shaytaan, the devil, and his attempts to break us. He tampers with our unity, in order to divide the ummah, weaken the iman and make each of us lose the rewards and blessings of Allah. It may seem like a small grudge that we hold against our fellow Muslim, but shaytaan is well-aware of its ill consequences!
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “It is not permitted for a Muslim to forsake his brother, for more than three (days), whoever does this and dies, will enter hell.” (Abu-Dawud)
It has always been the goal of shaytaan to make us lose our place in Jannah. He has been denied it, and now he wants to make us deviate from the straight path.
With the blessed month of Ramadan upon us, it is the perfect time to fix those ties that we may have severed with a friend, relative, or colleague at work.
In another narration, the Prophet (peace be upon) him said, “It is not permissible for a man to forsake his brother for more than three nights, each turning away if they meet. The better of the two is the one who is the first to greet the other with salaam.” (Bukhari)
Such a simple act of kindness, saying salaam, can save you from the fire of Hell. Ramadan is an opportunity for us to save ourselves from the fire, but it is no use, if you have cut off a Muslim friend or a distant uncle, and dooming yourself to the flames.
“The deeds of the people are shown to Allah twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays; He forgives all His believing slaves, except for the one between whom and his brother is enmity. He says, ‘Leave these two until they reconcile.'” (Muslim)
The benefits of reconciling with one's brother or sister in Islam are many. Not only do you get to enjoy his companionship, but Allah will look at your deeds, and will save you from the fire.
Moreover, Anas bin Malik mentioned that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever would like his rizq (provision) to be increased and his life to be extended should uphold the ties of kinship.” (Bukhari and Muslim) So, upholding the ties of kinship, will grant you a longer life, and thus the opportunity to engage in more righteous deeds, and increases you provision.
Forgive others' shortcomings, and Allah will be more forgiving towards you. A report by the Mayo Clinic stated that holding a bitter grudge against others and being unforgiving can have the following negative effects on your own mental well-being:
You will bring anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience.
You may become so wrapped up in the wrong that you are unable to enjoy the present.
It causes depression or anxiety.
You start to feel at odds with your spiritual beliefs.
You lose valuable and enriching connectedness with others.
Sometimes you may be ignoring a person because they engaged in a serious sin, such as abandoning the obligatory prayer, the salah. If staying away from them will make them realize their errors, then it is permissible to do so. However, if it will make things worse, then it is better to treat them kindly, advise and remind them.
As Muslims, we care for not only ourselves but the wider community of Muslim brothers and sisters across the globe. We respect each other and maintain a healthy relationship. We encourage each other towards the good, and forbid the evil.
May Allah unite us all in the Paradise, which no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no human heart has ever perceived.
