True ‎Islamic ‎Brotherhood

An Example of True Islamic Brotherhood

It is well known that there was a major civil war between the Companions, may Allah be pleased with all of them. And of the most painful of those wars was the Battle of the Camel in 36 AH, in which one of the most senior and beloved Companions, Ṭalḥa b. `Ubaydillah (r) was martyred on one side, and `Alī b. Abī Ṭālib (r) was the commander of the other side. 

After the Battle was over and the dead buried, he called Imrān the son of Ṭalḥa in front of all of the army. He hugged him, caused him to sit on the dais next to him, and expressed his sadness at the death of his father. Alī (r) then quoted a verse from the Quran, "And We shall remove any bitterness from their hearts [as they enter Paradise]. They shall again be brothers, reclining on couches facing each other..[Ḥijr;47], and said, "I am hopeful in Allah's mercy that your father and I shall be an example of this verse!" 

Note that for a few years, political differences had been bitter, and these two great Companions were on different sides of both politics and war. Yet, in ways that many of us can't understand, their hearts were still soft towards one another, full of a faith-based love that transcended political differences. 

What an amazing display of Islamic manners! Yes, sometimes our differences are painful, and (rarely) even lead to battle. But we really cannot wish evil or be full of hate towards those who love Allah and His Messenger. 

Contrast this to the extreme hatred that so many who take on the religious mantle of defending the faith exude. Anyone whose default is to preach hatred, and to put down other Muslims and accuse them of all types of evils, is simply not following basic Islamic protocols. Don't follow their example, and instead follow the example of the Companions of our Prophet ﷺ. Even if you disagree with your brother, show him love and mercy and compassion rather than hatred and animosity.