85: Good Relationships (Part 1)
should maintain good relationships, and should speak good or be silent.
[Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)]
Part of the fruits of faith is the commitment of the faithful to do good while avoiding the wrong and the harmful. The very presence of the Believer should be a source of benefit, a resource for goodness whose every action reflects ihsaan/goodness [Q 16:90].
Dealing With Others
Prophetic Saying “The Deen is about inter-human relationship”: The way we relate to people, significantly affects how we live as social beings, and greatly determines the quality of communal life we experience. The fact that Islam emphasizes mu'amalah (social relations) as an essential component of the Deen (Islamic Way of Life) clearly indicates the significance of social relations to human existence. Wise ones have said that among the most important ingredients in the formula for a successful and fulfilling life is knowing how to get along with people and be of benefit rather than a nuisance.
Closest Circle
The human being as a social being has the responsibility of being most beneficial and least problematic to society. This responsibility begins in the closest circle of the community, the building block of society - the family. From there it extends to relatives, neighbors, friends and the rest of society.
- Parents The first in a series of commandments appearing in Surah al-Israa', Allah has decreed that you worship none but Him and be good to parents. We are instructed to reflect on the effort that parents exert to bring us into this world and to nurture us and therefore to acknowledge our appreciation we are advised to be thankful to Allah and your parents.
- Spouses The relationship between two individuals coming together in a loving union of marriage ought to be based on love and compassion. The resulting union must provide sakinah /tranquility. The association of one with the other is described symbolically as garments unto each other; covering, embracing and protecting one another.
- Offspring Parents are the avenues through which children enter this world. In the words of poet, Khalil Gibran: “They come through you, but belong not to you.” Parents are the first line of comfort and the last line of defense. Love, cherish, empower and nurture your children as best you can.
- Brothers and Sisters A person does not truly believe unless he desires for his brother what he desires for himself. Futhermore, the Prophet said: "whosoever has sisters or daughters and takes good care of them all the time they are with him, I will be with him in Paradise like this," and he pointed his index and middle fingers together.
- Relatives Abu Dharr al-Ghaffari narrates "My friend(the Prophet) advised me to maintain good family relationships even if they don't."
- House Helpers Those who serve us in our homes should be treated with respect. The Prophet said those who serve you are your fellow human beings who are under your authority, so feed them what you eat and clothe them with what you wear. Do not impose on them a task they can not do, and if you give them a difficult task then assist them".
- Friends & Neighbors One chooses one's friends, but often live amongst people whom we do not necessarily choose as neighbors. Both can have a tremendous influence on a person just as a person can impact upon them. The Prophet (pbuh) said: The best of friends in the estimation of Allah is the one best to his friend. Also, Whosoever believes in Allah and the Day of Accountability, should be good to the neighbor.
- Guests Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor the guest.
- Elderly & Youth The Prophet said: That person is not of us who has no compassion on the young nor respect for the elders.