Islam through its instructions and legislations was keen to organise people’s relation with their Lord the Almighty, in order for them to attain happiness in both this life and the Hereafter. At the same time, Islam legislates what governs people’s relations amongst each other, in order for love and harmony to prevail in the Muslim community. This can be achieved only when each individual is keen to protect and guard the welfare of others just as he would his own, and only then will the Muslim community become strongly bonded and well-established.

 

The true Muslim has a refined social personality of the highest degree, which qualifies him to undertake his duty of calling others to Islam.

He demonstrates the true values of his religion and the practical application of those values by attaining beautiful Islamic attributes. His distinct social character represents a huge store of Islamic values, which can be seen by the way in which he interacts with the people around him.

The Muslim, as Islam meant him to be, is a unique and remarkable person in his attitude, conduct and relationships with others at all levels. He treats them well by being friendly with them, humble, gentle of speech and avoiding offense. He likes others and is liked by them. He tries to follow the example of the Prophet  as he was the best of people in his attitude towards others. He  said: “Nothing will weigh more heavily in the Balance of the believing slave on the Day of Resurrection than a good attitude towards others.”  [At-Tirmithi]

The rewards of loving another for Allah's sake are consistent with its importance. Its impact is not singular- it affects the entire society. For entire society to exist in harmony and peace, its constituents must be at peace. If we could each want for our friends what we want for ourselves, the world would be a better place. This is what Islam ensures. If there is brotherhood and unity among the people, the society at large will be united.

The Prophet  instilled a deep-rooted love in the hearts of the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, to create a model Islamic society that all Muslims thereafter can emulate. Prophet Muhammad(P.B.U.H)  tried to eliminate hatred, jealousy and rivalry by inducing brotherhood, a sincere love and friendship. The Islamic society is ideally built upon the foundation of brotherhood, as the Prophet   advised: “Believers are like a structure, parts of which support one another. The believers, in their mutual friendship, mercy and affection, are like one body; if any part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in fever.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

After a pure intention, we need sincere actions. The Prophet  recommended a very simple but significant way to help Muslims gain brotherhood saying: “I swear by the One in Whose hands my soul is, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you of something that if you do it, you will love one another? Spread salaam [greeting one another saying: As-Salaam Alaykum] amongst yourselves.” [Muslim] Greeting each other frequently and lovingly is the first step to achieving the ideal brotherhood.

we are not allowed to cut off friendships based on rash and unreasonable emotions. The Prophet  said, “It is not permissible for a Muslim to be abandon from his brother for more than three days, both of them turning away from one another when they meet. The better of them is the one who is first to greet the other.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

These teachings encourage Muslims to improve themselves, thereby improving their society. “Do not break off ties with one another, do not turn away from one another, do not hate one another, and do not envy one another. Be O slaves of Allah.” [Al-Bukhari]

Indeed, in the Prophet  we have the best example; he  once said, advising Abu Zar,(R.A): "O Abu Zar! I see that you are a weak person, and I love for you what I love for myself, so never be in charge of (even as little as) two people, or be responsible for an orphan’s wealth".[Muslim].

Our Salaf (i.e. righteous predecessors)  took upon themselves the implication of this Prophetic advice, and were very sincere in its implementation in the best manner. Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “I pass by a verse in the Book of Allah, and wish that all people would have the knowledge I have about it”.

Another such example is when Waasi’ Ibn Muhammad  wanted to sell a donkey of his once. The man who was buying it from him said to him: “Do you think it is good for me”. He  replied saying: Had I not thought so, I would not have attempted to sell to you in the first place.

These two examples and many more reflect the loftiness in faith these people reached which yielded such results.

Finally, one of the fruits of practically applying those manners is that a virtuous community would be established for the Muslims when its members enjoy common love and a strong bond between them, so that they resemble one strong body that can not easily be defeated. Thus, the Muslim nation would achieve the sought after prosperity.