Assalamu alikom.
A lot of times happen where we pass by a Muslim brother or sister and we greet them but they chose to look away without an answer. Perhaps they did not hear you? - But what if you are completely sure that your "Salam" echoed in the hallway and wasn't able to be overheard? Then what could cause a person to ignore your greeting? Is it Qibr? Do they look down at you and think that they are better Muslims than you, just because you do not wear your hijab? Or your Niqab? Or your Abaya? Or your Sunnah beard?
In our contemporary society,
friends are made at school, at work, in neighborhoods and even over the
Internet. Friends are made and kept for a variety of reasons. People
make friends with others who share common interests, hobbies, and even
vices. The final goal of a friendship is often simply company, a desire
to spend time with someone, doing something that they both enjoy. A
Muslim ought to choose friends more carefully and critically.
Certainly, Muslims, like everyone else, want
friends who share interests and who are fun to be with. We all enjoy
having a picnic with a friend or going out to dinner with friends, and
who wouldn't like to go to a gathering with some of their best friends?
But, that is not only what a truly Islamic friendship is all about. In
fact, an Islamic friendship is not that simple at all. In Islam, true
friendships are bound by brotherhood and sisterhood, bonds that are
stronger than typical friendships. They are bonds that exist for a much
higher reason and with a greater goal.
Muslims make friends knowing that the relationship
they will ensue is an important bond between two people who share mutual
goals. Their friendship is one that exists primarily for the sake of
Allaah the Almighty. The love and camaraderie that is born from such a
friendship is a secondary benefit, for sure.
Love for others comes in different forms. Love
between a husband and wife is one type of these forms, all friendship is
another form. However, all forms of fondness that any one person can
have for any other person, for the purpose of this article, will be
referred to as love.
Realistically, pure love of another person only for
the sake of Allaah is difficult. Few people can attain such a
friendship, which is why Allaah rewards such an act of faith generously.
The Prophet
explained, "Allaah
said: those who love one another for My glory will be upon Minbars of
light [high positions], and the Prophets and martyrs will wish that they
had the same." [At-Tirmithi]

The rewards of loving another for Allaah's sake are
consistent with its importance. Its impact is not singular- it affects
the entire society. For entire society to exist in harmony and peace,
its constituents must be at peace. If we could each want for our friends
what we want for ourselves, the world would be a better place. This is
what Islam ensures. If there is brotherhood and unity among the people,
the society at large will be united.
The Prophet
instilled a deep-rooted love in the hearts of the companions
to create a model Islamic society that all Muslims thereafter can emulate. Prophet Muhammad
tried to eliminate hatred, jealousy and rivalry by inducing
brotherhood, a sincere love and friendship. The Islamic society is
ideally built upon the foundation of brotherhood, as the Prophet
advised: "Believers are
like a structure, parts of which support one another. The believers, in
their mutual friendship, mercy and affection, are like one body; if any
part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in
fever." [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
How to love someone

After a pure intention, we need sincere actions. The Prophet
recommended a very simple but significant way to help Muslims gain brotherhood saying: "I swear y the One in Whose hands my soul is, you will not enter Paradise
until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another.
Shall I not tell you of something that if you do it, you will love one
another? Spread salaam [greeting one another saying: As-Salaam Alaykum]
amongst yourselves." [Muslim] Greeting each other frequently and lovingly is the first step to achieving the ideal brotherhood.

These teachings encourage Muslims to improve themselves, thereby improving their society. "Do
not break off ties with one another, do not turn away from one another,
do not hate one another, and do not envy one another. Be O slaves of
Allaah brothers." [Al-Bukhaari]
The Prophet's memory and words live in our hearts
and minds. Heeding his advice, we should realize that we are supposed to
be brothers or sisters in Islam because we share a common religion and
belief. We are to be brothers and sisters in our hearts because we share
a common goal-Allaah's pleasure.
For more of such posts visit: www.islamweb.net
May Allah bless you with good friendships that are rooted in His Love. Amien.
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