Hadith Text

"There are six courtesies due from a Muslim to another Muslim: To give Salam to him when he meets him, to accept his invitation when he invites him, to reply to him when he sneezes, to visit him when he is ill, to follow his funeral when he dies, and to love for him what he loves for himself."

Source and Authenticity

This narration is recorded in Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Hadith Number 2736, under the book "Chapters on Manners." Imam Tirmidhi graded this hadith as hasan sahih (good and authentic).

Commentary on the Six Rights

1. Greeting with Salam: The Islamic greeting "As-Salamu Alaykum" establishes bonds of brotherhood and removes hostility. It is a prayer for peace and security upon one's fellow Muslim.

2. Accepting Invitations: Responding to invitations for weddings or meals strengthens social ties and demonstrates respect for the inviter, unless there is a valid Islamic excuse.

3. Responding to Sneezing: When a Muslim sneezes and praises Allah by saying "Alhamdulillah," the response "Yarhamukallah" (May Allah have mercy on you) is an act of supplication and care.

4. Visiting the Sick: This act embodies compassion and fulfills the duty of brotherhood. It comforts the afflicted and earns great reward from Allah.

5. Attending Funerals: Accompanying the deceased until burial is a final honor and service to a Muslim brother, reminding the living of the Hereafter.

6. Genuine Brotherhood: Loving for one's brother what one loves for oneself is the pinnacle of faith (Iman), eliminating envy and fostering true Islamic unity.

Scholarly Insights

Scholars explain these six rights form the foundation of Muslim social conduct. They transform theoretical faith into practical brotherhood. Imam Nawawi emphasized that these rights are wajib (obligatory) upon capable Muslims. The final right - loving for others what one loves for oneself - is considered the comprehensive principle from which all other courtesies naturally flow, representing the golden rule of Islamic ethics.