Six are the rights of a Muslim over another Muslim. It was said to him: Allah's Messenger, what are these? Thereupon he said: When you meet him, offer him greetings;when he invites you to a feast accept it. when he seeks your council give him, and when he sneezes and says:" All praise is due to Allah," you say Yarhamuk Allah (may Allah show mercy to you) ; and when he fails ill visit him; and when he dies follow his bier.
The Book of Greetings - Sahih Muslim 2162b
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim enumerates six fundamental rights that Muslims owe to one another, establishing the framework for Islamic brotherhood and social cohesion.
Offering Greetings (Salam)
The first right is to offer salam when meeting a fellow Muslim. This establishes bonds of love and removes animosity. The greeting "Assalamu alaikum" (Peace be upon you) carries profound spiritual significance, invoking Allah's protection and peace upon one's brother.
Accepting Invitations
When a Muslim invites you to a lawful feast, acceptance is obligatory unless there is a valid excuse. This strengthens social ties and demonstrates respect for the inviter. The scholars mention that this applies to weddings and other festive occasions that don't involve sinful activities.
Giving Sincere Counsel
When a Muslim seeks your advice (naseehah), you must provide sincere guidance. This encompasses all matters where your counsel is sought - religious, worldly, or personal. The counsel should be given with wisdom and kindness, seeking what is best for your brother.
Responding to Sneezing
When a Muslim sneezes and praises Allah by saying "Alhamdulillah," the response "Yarhamukallah" (May Allah have mercy on you) becomes obligatory. This exchange demonstrates gratitude to Allah and supplication for one's brother. If he doesn't praise Allah, no response is required.
Visiting the Sick
Visiting ill Muslims is a collective obligation (fard kifayah) that brings great reward. The visit should be brief, offer comfort, make supplications, and remind the sick of Allah's mercy. This act strengthens bonds and demonstrates compassion.
Following Funeral Processions
Accompanying the funeral procession of a Muslim brother until burial is highly meritorious. This final act of respect completes the rights owed to a Muslim and serves as a reminder of mortality. The scholars differ whether this is obligatory or highly recommended, but all agree on its great virtue.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Nawawi comments that these six rights establish the foundation of Islamic social conduct. They encompass rights during life, moments of need, and even after death. Fulfilling them strengthens the ummah's unity and demonstrates practical faith.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes that these rights are minimum requirements; the complete rights of Muslims upon each other are more comprehensive. However, these six represent the core obligations that maintain brotherhood and mutual care within the Muslim community.