The Prophet has described : "You find the Muslims in their mutual love and compassion, like one body, should any organ of it fall ill, the rest of the body will share in the fever and sleeplessness that ensues", (al-Bukhari)
The bond of brotherhood is like a contract, because it confers certain rights and responsibilities between brothers, and Islam has laid down these rights and responsibilities. In all these comprise of six duties:
The first duty is to render personal aid in the satisfaction of needs, as indicated by the Prophet (s.a.w.); "If one of you goes with your brother to help him fulfill his duty, and then the Prophet made a small sign with his fingers and added, that is better for him than making a i'takif in my mosque for two months", (narrated by al-Hakim).
A Muslim in the early days would see to the maintenance of his brothers wife and children after his bothers death, attending to their needs, visiting them daily, inquiring on what they need
This is how brotherhood and compassion is shown. If a man does not manifest compassion towards his brother in the same degree as to himself, then there is no good in it.
The Prophet (s.a.w.) has said: "those who help a Muslim in hardship in this world, will be protected by Allah from suffering hardship in the Hereafter....Allah will help his servants as long as they help their fellow Muslim brothers", (narrated by Muslim and Abu-Daud).
The second duty concerns the tongue, which should sometimes be silent and at other times speak out.
As for silence, the tongue should not mention a brother's faults in his absence.
Rather you should feign ignorance. You should not dispute nor argue with him, you should not criticise him, accuse him of anything or quiz him about his affairs.
You should not be suspicious, for suspicion is the most untruthful report and suspicion leads to prying and spying.
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