He reported God’s messenger as saying, “A Muslim has six duties towards another Muslim.” When asked what they were he replied, “When you meet him salute him ; when he issues an invitation to you, accept it; when he asks your advice give it to him ; when he sneezes and praises God say, ‘God have mercy on you’; when he is ill visit him ; and when he dies follow him to the grave.”Muslim transmitted it.
Commentary on the Six Duties of Brotherhood
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim, as recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih 1525, establishes the fundamental obligations that maintain the bonds of Islamic brotherhood. These six duties form the practical manifestation of the believer's love for his fellow Muslim, as the Prophet ﷺ said: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."
The First Duty: The Islamic Greeting
The command to offer salam when meeting a Muslim brother establishes the foundation of mutual love and respect. The scholars explain that initiating salam is sunnah while responding is obligatory. This greeting carries the meanings of peace, security, and divine blessings, removing estrangement between hearts.
The Second Duty: Accepting Invitations
Responding to invitations, particularly to wedding feasts, strengthens social bonds and demonstrates shared happiness. Scholars differentiate between obligatory acceptance of wedding invitations and recommended acceptance of other gatherings, provided they involve no religious violations.
The Third Duty: Giving Sincere Counsel
When a Muslim seeks advice (naseehah), one must provide sincere guidance free from deception or concealment. This embodies the comprehensive meaning of naseehah as explained by Imam al-Nawawi: sincere conduct toward God, His Book, His Messenger, the Muslim rulers, and the common Muslims.
The Fourth Duty: Responding to Sneezing
The command to say "Yarhamukallah" (May Allah have mercy on you) when one sneezes and praises Allah teaches gratitude for the blessing of sneezing, which relieves the body. This exchange reinforces remembrance of Allah and mutual supplication among believers.
The Fifth Duty: Visiting the Sick
Visiting the ill Muslim embodies compassion and fulfills the right of brotherhood. Scholars emphasize that this visitation should be brief, offer comforting words, and include supplication for healing. It serves as a reminder of mortality and the transient nature of this world.
The Sixth Duty: Accompanying the Funeral
Following the funeral procession until burial completion represents the final service to a Muslim brother. This act earns immense reward, reminds of the Hereafter, and provides comfort to the deceased's family. The scholars distinguish between accompanying the funeral (which is fard kifayah) and participating in the prayer.
Comprehensive Benefits
These six duties collectively strengthen the fabric of Muslim society, foster mutual love, and fulfill the rights believers have upon one another. They transform abstract brotherhood into tangible actions that build a cohesive community grounded in faith and mutual responsibility.