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How the
Prophet Instilled Brotherhood among Muslims
Sure,
Islam isn’t racist; almost any Muslim will tell you
that.
But
Islam’s very strong stance against racism and prejudice
wasn’t just demonstrated in words and principles: [O
Mankind, We created you from a single (pair) of a male and
a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you
may know each other. Verily the most honored of you in the
sight of God is he who is the most righteous of you]
(Al-Hujurat:13). It was also evident in the Prophet’s
establishment of the mu’akhah (brotherhood)
system.
About
six months after the Muslims of Makkah had left their
homes, livelihoods, and, in many cases, their families,
for the sake of Allah and immigrated to Madinah, the
Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) established a
system that would bring together Muslims of two different
cities and different tribes.
The
Muslims who had left Makkah were called Muhajirun,
immigrants to Madinah; they had left their homes for the
sake of Allah. They were now homeless and more or less
penniless in Madinah. They needed help.
Enter
the Muslims of Madinah. They became the Ansars (helpers)
of their Muhajirun brothers and sisters in faith.
They
Were Not Just “Roommates”
Bringing
Muslims together (Mu’akhah), coming from the same
root as akh “brother” in Arabic, means a system of
making people brothers. The Prophet paired one Muhajir
with one Ansar. They were not just temporary roommates.
They became brothers in the truest sense. Not only did the
Ansar Muslim provide the Muhajir Muslim with food,
shelter, and clothing. He offered him consolation,
support, and true Muslim fellowship.
Although
there were no set rules, every one of the Ansar who got a
Muhajir as his brother gave an equal share in his property
and belongings to his Muhajir brother.
In
the bad old days of Arab tribal enmity and prejudices, the
mu’akhah system was truly revolutionary. It gave
the Muhajirun a chance to rebuild their lives in their new
home, while creating a deep bond of love and affection
between Muslims of two very different cities.
The
regional differences between people, languages, and
culture, despite smaller distances as compared to today,
were great.
So
it was perhaps strange for people at the time to think of
an Arab and a non-Arab living together as brothers.
For
instance, Bilal ibn Rabah, an African Muhajir and an
ex-slave, was paired as a brother with Abu Rawahah
`Abdullah ibn `Abdul Rahman. And they were brothers, not
mere roommates. A black man and an Arab. Who could have
imagined this state of affairs in the pre-Islamic tribal
Arabia?
They
Even Used to Inherit from Each Other
This
brotherhood was even more important than the blood
relationship, since it was based on faith, not genetics or
blood.
This
existed to such a degree that initially, the Muslim
brothers in mu’akhah would inherit from each
other. However, later on, this practice was abrogated.
The
mu’akhah system is clearly an example of
Islam’s solid commitment to the establishment of a
brotherhood based not on color, language, race, or
ethnicity, but purely on faith. Muslims today need to
remember this system and our community leadership should
be proactive to implement the Islamic ideals.
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