Hadith Text

"There are six things due from the believer to another believer: Visiting him when he is ill, attending (his funeral) to him when he dies, accepting his invitation when he invites, giving him Salam when he meets him, replying to him when he sneezes, and wishing him well when he is absent and when he is present."

Source & Authenticity

Book: Chapters on Manners

Author: Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2737

Commentary on the Six Rights

Visiting the sick: This act demonstrates compassion and strengthens bonds, reminding the ill of Allah's mercy and earning the visitor great reward.

Attending funerals: Accompanying the deceased until burial honors their soul and comforts the bereaved, serving as a reminder of mortality.

Accepting invitations: Responding to invitations fosters unity and brotherhood, unless the event involves something unlawful.

Greeting with Salam: The Islamic greeting spreads peace and love among believers, initiating interactions with blessings.

Responding to sneezes: Saying "Yarhamukallah" (May Allah have mercy on you) acknowledges Allah's power and shows care for one's wellbeing.

Sincere well-wishing: Maintaining good thoughts and prayers for fellow Muslims, whether present or absent, reflects true faith and protects the community from malice.

Scholarly Insights

These six obligations form the foundation of Islamic social ethics, transforming individual faith into collective responsibility.

Imam al-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan (good), indicating its reliable chain of transmission.

Classical scholars emphasize that these rights are wajib (obligatory) upon capable Muslims, with exceptions for valid excuses.

The comprehensive nature of these duties covers all stages of life - health, sickness, social gatherings, daily encounters, and even death.