Five are the rights of a Muslim over his brother: responding to salutation, saying Yarhamuk Allah when anybody sneezes and says al-Hamdulillah, visiting the sick. following the bier. ' Abd al-Razzaq said that this hadith has been transmitted as mursal hadith from Zuhri and he then substantiated it on the authority of Ibn Musayyib.
The Book of Greetings - Sahih Muslim 2162a
Five are the rights of a Muslim over his brother: responding to salutation, saying Yarhamuk Allah when anybody sneezes and says al-Hamdulillah, visiting the sick, following the bier.
Commentary on the Five Rights
The first right is responding to the Islamic greeting of "As-salamu alaykum" with "Wa alaykum as-salam," which establishes bonds of brotherhood and removes enmity between believers.
The second right concerns the etiquette of sneezing: when a Muslim sneezes and praises Allah by saying "Alhamdulillah," his brother must respond with "Yarhamuk Allah" (May Allah have mercy on you), acknowledging divine blessings in health.
The third right is visiting the sick, which demonstrates communal care and earns great reward, as the visitor receives the prayers of angels and the mercy of Allah during such visits.
The fourth right is following funeral processions, showing respect for the deceased and reminding the living of the transient nature of this world and the certainty of the Hereafter.
These rights collectively strengthen the fabric of Muslim society, fostering mutual responsibility and compassion as ordained by the Shariah.
Transmission Note
'Abd al-Razzaq said that this hadith has been transmitted as mursal hadith from Zuhri and he then substantiated it on the authority of Ibn Musayyib, indicating careful verification by classical scholars despite the mursal chain.