Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. My dear brothers and sisters, we are calling ourselves brothers and sisters in Islam, but do we really know what brotherhood in Islam is? If we really understand what brotherhood in Islam is, we’ll unite more than how we are in this era. Today in shaa Allah, we are going to look into what brotherhood in Islam is and how blessed this path is for us Muslims.
Brotherhood in Islam is a complete concept that is based upon exhibiting or having a good character and relationship with others, treating others the way we want to be treated, and uniting together upon common positive values. The brotherhood in Islam is not merely a social connection. It is a divine bond that surpasses race, nationality, and tribal affiliations as Allah declared too in the Quran:
“Indeed, the believers are but brothers.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:10)
This verse sets a clear foundation telling us that we Muslims, regardless of our backgrounds, tribes, or family, we are all connected as one through faith. This unity in Islam is not just mere words of the tongue — it is a fundamental part of living as a true believer.
Brotherhood in Islam is a sacred bond that unites all believers under the banner of La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah. The brotherhood in Islam fosters unity, love, and mutual care among Muslims, ensuring a strong and cohesive Ummah. Without brotherhood, the structure of Islamic society would weaken, making the Ummah vulnerable to division and discord.
The strongest level of brotherhood is the one that Islam taught us. This is because it covers and supersedes all other aspects of brotherhoods like tribe. At this level, the believers work together towards fulfilling the goals of the religion and setting some rights and duties that a Muslim must uphold with others. If someone needs our help, irrespective of his tribe, color, or language, we will be happy to help him.
The brotherhood in Islam is the only one that can fix all the hatred, injustice, and corruption going on in this world today. Because unity in Islam is the strongest bond that cannot be easily cut or broken. Our prophet (ﷺ) said:
The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Our prophet told us that we are like a body to each other, if a part of the body is feeling pain, it will affect other parts too likewise if one of us is in pain, it should affect us too. ARE WE STILL ON THE SAYING OF OUR PROPHET?
The teachings of the Prophet ﷺ further reinforce this concept. He said:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Do we really wish for others what we wish for ourselves now? Let’s ask ourselves this question and ponder on it.
Brotherhood in Islam During The Time Of Our Prophet (ﷺ)
Let’s look into the time of great hardship for the early Muslims in Mecca. Persecution was rampant, families were torn apart, and the Muslim community faced a lot of problems. Yet, amidst this turmoil, the true bond of brotherhood, stronger than blood, emerged in this time showing us how great the brotherhood in Islam is. The unity in Islam is far greater than any other wallaah.
During this time the Muslims were facing tremendous persecution in Mecca. Prophet Muhammad told his followers to migrate to Medina. They migrated to Medina, leaving behind their homes and belongings. When they arrived, the Ansar (residents of Medina) welcomed them with open arms.
The Prophet ﷺ gathered from Al Muhajeroon (those who migrated to Medina) and the other from Al-Ansar (residents of Medina). The Prophet ﷺ made a brotherhood between them. He ﷺ used to call a man from Al-Ansar and another man from Al-Muhajeroon and say to them: You are now brothers in Islam, and the Muslims gave the highest examples of true brotherhood.
What did the early Muslims understand by brotherhood, and how did they behave and relate towards one another after the prophet bonded them together?
Abdur Rahman bin `Auf said, “When we came to Medina as emigrants, Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) established a bond of brotherhood between me and Sa`d bin Ar-Rabi`. Sa`d bin Ar-Rabi` said (to me),
‘I am the richest among the Ansar, so I will give you half of my wealth and you may look at my two wives and whichever of the two you may choose I will divorce her, and when she has completed the prescribed period (before marriage) you may marry her.’
`Abdur-Rahman replied, “I am not in need of all that. Is there any marketplace where trade is practiced?’ He replied, “The market of Qainuqa.” `Abdur- Rahman went to that market the following day and brought some dried buttermilk (yogurt) and butter, and then he continued going there regularly.
A few days later, `Abdur-Rahman came having traces of yellow (scent) on his body. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) asked him whether he had got married. He replied in the affirmative. The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
‘Whom have you married?’ He replied, ‘A woman from the Ansar.’ Then the Prophet (ﷺ) asked, ‘How much did you pay her?’ He replied, ‘(I gave her) a gold piece equal in weigh to a date stone (or a date stone of gold)! The Prophet (ﷺ) said, ‘Give a Walima (wedding banquet) even if it is with one sheep”
Sahih al-Bukhari, 2048
The early Muslims shared everything they had among themselves like wealth, women, sources of income, a helping hand, and many more. They are the ones that truly uphold the real unity in Islam based on the hadith which where Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said,
“A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection. “
Sahih al-Bukhari, 2442
The Role of the Brotherhood in Strengthening the Muslim Ummah
The unity of the Muslim Ummah is one of the greatest strengths of Islam. When true brotherhood is practiced, the Ummah thrives in faith, justice, and strength. However, when division takes place among us, it leads to weakness, internal conflict, and vulnerability. Allah has already warned us in the Quran:
“And do not dispute and thus you lose courage and then your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Surah Al-Anfal 8:46)
Disunity weakens the Muslim community, making it susceptible to external and internal threats. But when Muslims stand together as one body, they become a force that no enemy can divide.
How True Brotherhood Eliminates Racism, Nationalism, and Tribalism
One of the most dangerous diseases in the Muslim Ummah today is racism, nationalism, and tribalism. Although this is prevalent among the disbelievers but we Muslims have given way for it to enter our community. These man-made divisions contradict the essence of brotherhood in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ condemned these ideologies, stating:
“He is not one of us who calls for tribalism, fights for tribalism, or dies upon tribalism.” (Abu Dawood)
Islam came to unite people under the banner of La ilaha illa Allah, Tawheed, Eeman — not race, ethnicity, or nationality. When Muslims let go of these artificial boundaries and embrace true Islamic brotherhood, they fulfill the command of Allah to be like one body upon faith which cannot be brought down. Allah says:
Allah has promised those who have believed among you and done righteous deeds that He will surely grant them succession [to authority] upon the earth just as He granted it to those before them and that He will surely establish for them [therein] their religion which He has preferred for them and that He will surely substitute for them, after their fear, security, [for] they worship Me, not associating anything with Me. But whoever disbelieves after that – then those are the defiantly disobedient. (An Nur, Verse 53)
Why Disunity Weakens the Ummah and How to Fix It
Disunity has historically led to the downfall of many great Islamic civilizations. When Muslims fight among themselves, they divert their focus from their true purpose — worshipping Allah and upholding justice. This disunity and injustice makes them vulnerable to external enemies who exploit their divisions.
To fix this, Muslims must return to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. Scholars such as Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn Uthaymeen emphasized that the unity of the Muslim Ummah is only possible when we hold firmly to Islam and prioritize it over personal differences. One of the scholars said:
“If the Muslims unite, then even if they are few, they will be victorious over their enemies. But if they are divided, even if they are many, they will be humiliated.”
Practical Ways to Strengthen Brotherhood in Islam
The strength of this Muslim Ummah lies in the unity of hearts. Brotherhood is not just a concept to be admired — it must be actively practiced in real life as practiced by the earlier Muslims. The Prophet ﷺ emphasized this when he said:
“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another.” (Sahih Muslim)
So, how can we strengthen Islamic unity in our personal lives and communities? Here are some practical steps every Muslim can take:
1. Making Dua for Each Other
One of the simplest but yet most powerful ways to build a strong brotherhood in Islam is to make dua for fellow Muslims. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The supplication of a Muslim for his brother in his absence will certainly be answered. An angel is appointed to him who, every time he makes supplication for his brother, says: ‘Ameen, and the same for you.’” (Sahih Muslim)
Imagine how the Ummah would thrive if every Muslim sincerely prayed for the success, well-being, and guidance of others! This will even erase any form of malice or hatred someone may have for another. There’s no way you can be praying for your enemy now.
2. Avoiding Jealousy and Hatred
Jealousy and hatred are among the greatest threats to the unity in Islam, which our Prophet ﷺ has warned us about:
“The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales; and do not look for the others’ faults and do not spy, and do not be jealous of one another, and do not desert (cut your relation with) one another, and do not hate one another; and O Allah’s worshipers! Be brothers (be brothers to one another as Allah has ordered you!”)
(Sahih Muslim)
A true believer finds joy in the success of his brother rather than envy. He reminds himself that Allah’s blessings are limitless, and what is written for him will never be taken by another.
3. Spreading Salam and Maintaining Good Relations
The simple act of greeting each other with Salam (peace) softens our hearts and strengthens bonds between us. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Shall I not tell you of something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread Salam amongst yourselves.” (Sahih Muslim)
Beyond greetings, maintaining good relations with family, neighbors, and the wider community fosters love and harmony. When you practice checking on family and friends, giving a helping hand to them financially and in other ways, this will increase the love, bond and strengthen the brotherhood.
4. Helping one another in Times of Need and Giving Sadaqah
A Muslim brother is never left alone in times of hardship. Whether through financial help, emotional support, or a kind word, assisting others strengthens brotherhood in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection
Sahih al-Bukhari, 2442
Giving Sadaqah (charity) is another way to uplift the Ummah. This removes selfishness and ensures the needs of all Muslims are met.
5. Controlling One’s Anger and Forgiving Others
Disagreements are inevitable, but true brotherhood is tested in how we respond. Islam teaches that the strong one is not the one who overpowers others in arguments but the one who controls his anger. In order to embrace real unity in Islam, we need to forgive each other a lot. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The strong man is not the one who can overpower others in wrestling, but the one who controls himself when he gets angry.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Forgiveness is the key to maintaining unity in Islam. If we forgive others as we wish for Allah to forgive us, our relationships will be filled with peace and mercy. Check the obligatory six rights of a Muslim upon another Muslim here.
The Power of Unity in Family, Community, and the Global Muslim Society
In conclusion, brotherhood starts at home. A united family creates a strong Islamic community, which in turn strengthens the global Muslim Ummah. When we support one another, advocate for justice, and act as a single body, the Ummah flourishes. Allah ﷻ reminds us:
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:103)
By applying these teachings in our lives, we can transform the concept of brotherhood in Islam into a living reality—one that unites us, strengthens us, and brings us closer to Allah. You can also read about the Islamic way of treating your neighbors.
We ask Allah to make us good Muslims upon Tawheed and Sunnah and make it easy for us to incorporate the teachings from the Quran and Sunnah into our lives. Aameen
