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Hasad keeps one from accepting advice and guidance from others because the person does not want to accept the fact that others might have something that he does not. Hatred keeps one being just and following the truth wherever it may be.3 Summary of the Hadith • Muslims are all servants of Allah and they must look at each other and actually treat each other like brothers.4 This brotherhood is not something that merely exists on the lips but it must actually be put into practice in 1 Quoted in ibn Rajah, Jaami, vol. 2, p. 283. 2 Quoted in ibn Rajah, Jaami, vol. 2, p. 283. 3 A. al-Qaasim, p. 8. 4 The word "brother" has been used throughout this commentary. That was just to keep it closer to the actual word that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used and for the sake of flow. Obviously, though, the exact same rulings and principles apply to the relationship between brothers only, brothers and sisters and sisters only. 1071 - Commentary on the Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi everyday living. This is partially accomplished by adhering to the following teachings that have come from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in this hadith: (1) The Muslim brothers should not be envious of one another. (2) They should not hurt each other financially by artificially raising prices against each other or undercutting sales that have already been concluded. (3) They should not hate each other and, consequently, they should avoid all of those acts that could gender hatred among brothers. (4) They should not tum away from each other and avoid one another. Instead, when they see each other they should greet each other with the greetings of peace and with a smiling face. (5) A brother should not commit any type of zulm with respect to his brother. (6) A true brother is the one who comes to his brother's assistance and does not abandon him in his hour of need. (7) True brothers do not lie to each other. Instead, they are honest and straightforward with one another. (8) A true brother sees his brother as his equalor he sees his brother as being superior to himself. He would never be so arrogant as to look down on his brother or despise his brother. • The true estimate of a person's worth is his taqwa. It is not the outer manifestations of this world, such as wealth, position, lineage and so forth. But taqwa is in the heart and no one except Allah knows the level of a person's taqwa. No Muslim can know for certain that he has more taqwa than another Muslim. Therefore, no Muslim could ever know for certain that he is better than another Muslim. Since that is the case, there is no call for a Muslim ever to look down upon or show contempt for his brother Muslim. Indeed, this is a great evil. In fact, that by itself is a sufficient amount of evil for any one to carry. • All of a Muslim is inviolable to every other Muslim. In other words, every Muslim must treat every other Muslim with the proper amount of respect and good behavior. • In particular, one must realize that a Muslim's blood is inviolable. One must avoid any illegal form of spilling of Muslim blood or physically injuring a Muslim. • Similarly, a Muslim's wealth is also inviolable. One must respect the private property of his brother and should not use it unless it is known that his brother approves of that act. • Finally, one must also show utmost respect for his brother's honor. He must be careful of his tongue and never wrongfully harm the honor of his brother. Hadith #36: "Whoever Relieves a Believer . . . " Hadith #36 "Whoever Relieves a Believer . . . " On the authority of Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) from the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) who said, "Whoever relieves a believer's distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter. Whoever alleviates [the situation ofj one in dire straits who cannot repay his debt, Allah will alleviate his lot in both this world and the Hereafter. Whoever conceals [the faults ofj a Muslim, Allah will conceal [his faults] in this life and the Hereafter. Allah is helping the servant as long as the servant is helping his brother. Whoever follows a path in order to seek knowledge thereby, Allah will make easy for him, due to it, a path to Paradise. No people gather together in a house of the 1073 - fa uJC­ ୿ J:..;b అ ¿ J+..