A Personal Definition of the Eight Duties of Islam Brotherhood

In The Duties of Brotherhood in Islam which was translated from the Ihya of Imam al- Ghazali, there are exactly eight duties of brotherhood that were discussed. In this essay, I plan to rewrite these eight using my own personal definitions, while utilizing two of these duties that are applicable in my present life, while also reviewing two that are no longer important. By doing so, I will better understand both these contexts and my own life as well. These eight duties are highly essential to brotherhood and each hold their own specific place and necessity as well. The goals of these duties are to create a well-rounded and strong Muslim.

The first of these duties is explained on pages 21 and 22 of the text. This is titled the "material" duty. Despite, material isn't really a good description of this. However, it explains your brothers should be one person. Although, towards the end of this duty explanation, it goes on to say that all worldly goods are shared amongst each other, rather owned by one and borrowed by many. With these ideas, there are many other duties linked to it. One is that you should treat your brother(s) as you treat yourself.

Never less, as you would a slave or enemy. You should act as one person, because in the end you both employ the same set of standards and goals in the long run. If I were to change this a tad, I would include the unimportance of worldly goods in the definition. Muslim's are supposed to be humble, therefore, they should not worship worldly goods, because Allah deemed us not to.

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So, only the essential belongings should be considered when sharing anything. What I mean by this is food, shelter, medicines and so forth. Unfortunately, many brothers forget the concepts of being humble to Allah, and not having more than what is needed. I feel these aspects need retaught to Muslims. Because many Muslims want to own the newest technologies and gadgets, and replace their old ones, even when it is not needed. I feel that brothers should all share what they have, however, should not own more than that, that is needed.

We find the next duty of brotherhood on pages 30 and 31. This duty regards giving one's brothers direct attention when they need, even over one's personal needs. A brother should always be aware of other brothers needs before their own. If I were to change this a tad, I would certainly claim that one should look out for themselves just as much as their brother. For instance, one shouldn't look out for another individual more than themselves. This is especially true when there is a heigharchy of needs.

For example, if I have an important test to study for the following day, and could lose my scholarship over this test. Even if my brother needs me to be there for something minor just as a ride, I would not throw away my entire life to offer him a ride. This would be absurd. This duty should have limitations and restrictions within its definition. It is irrational to always put the small needs of others before the big needs of one's self.

The third duty is very like the ideas of "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" in Christianity. Since each and every Muslim has sinned, who are we to point out the wrongdoings of our brothers. This duty claims that it is only okay to do so when promoting something good. For instance, if you notice a brother who is constantly cheating, you would need to tell him this is wrong and to stop.

However, the way in which you do so, should align with the teachings of this duty. If I were to change the definition of this specific duty, I would include the idea that sometimes, instead of speaking to your brother, you should reach out to others they are close with. This is only needed in emergency situations. Such as your brother dealing with a bad addiction. Sometimes, family needs to be involved with this individual and not only the advice of another brother.

The fourth duty concludes that brothers are obligated to speak out when necessary. This duty is very similar with the one previous. Just as I explained, sometimes, things must be said to our brothers that they do not want to hear. However, it is our duty, as Muslims, given to us by Allah to speak up when something is wrong. If I were to tweak this duty up into my own personal definition, I would add more to its definition. This addition would include ideas of exploring all other alternatives prior to explaining to one's brother the error of his ways.

Before directly telling them what they are doing wrong, someone should somehow show them, and see if they pick up on this. If not, then it is a brother's duty to become vocal on the issue. Sometimes, realizations can occur before one brother must cast out the other with words on the situation. Sometimes these words can be communicated wrong and lead to conflicts amongst the persons. This is what is trying to be avoided with my personal addition to this duty.

In the fifth duty explained in this novel, ideas of forgiveness of brothers for wrongdoings. It claims we should forgive them for religious wrongdoings and wrongdoings in the friendship alike. If I were to change elements I would reject the forgiveness of religious downfalls. Because in my opinion, only Allah can do so. They have hurt Allah and themselves, but no brothers during this. I simply cannot agree that I can forgive them for such occurrences, and only Allah can do so.

As we see in the sixth duty, it is essential to pray for our brother both in life and in death. In my opinion, it is unneeded to pray for someone once they have died. Because, as a Muslim, we believe these people will be in Allah's hands at this point. Therefore, I feel this is completely irrational to pray for someone who is already with Allah. That person should ask Allah for help for us, rather the other way around.

The second from last duty, number 7 implies that we must be loyal and sincere to not only our brothers but their families as well. It goes on to say that after death, we should make sure our brothers family is well taken care of. In my opinion, my loyalty is to my brothers, not extended family. With the complexities of life and so forth, it is somewhat impossible to continue this loyalty for life. I would not completely disregard this duty; however, I feel that I cannot be held responsible for this man's family on top of mine.

The last duty of this selection, is duty 8. The last duty is aimed towards not causing discomfort for one's brother. I feel that this duty, is the most irrational of the bunch. As a brother, it is our obligation to help each other with whatever the matter is. Whether it is a topic that the other feels uncomfortable speaking about or not. As a brotherhood, it is inevitable to not be an inconvenience at times. But we must make sure that needs are met of each other, which is explained in many of the other duties. Therefore, this duty is somewhat contradicting to the others listed. We should especially help those who are dealing with a situation we are not knowledgeable in or is difficult to discuss with others. I feel it is our obligation to do exactly what no matter what the conversation is about.

If I were to state two of these duties that are not truly present in the world today, I would say duty one and duty eight. The first duty states that we are supposed to share our possessions with each other, but we do not see this happening at all. Everyone regards ownership of their belongings. Duty 8 is contradictive to all the other duties. We, as brothers of Islam must inconvenience ourselves and others from time to time. This happens in our loyalty because certainly there will be circumstances of such. I feel that this duty completely rules out all the others and doesn't stand for what brotherhood is supposed to be.

If I were to choose two duties that pertain to my present status in life, I would choose duty 5 and duty 7. Number five discusses the ideas of forgiveness and number seven of loyalty. There are many times, that I find it hard to forgive my fellow Muslim brothers, however, I know that everyone does wrong sometimes, and they must be forgiven. I feel that Allah requests this specifically of all Muslim brothers. We must act as one to help show each other the right path to follow.

Many times, especially while studying in the United States, I have run into situations with other Muslims that have upset me, rather than lashing out or becoming violent I forgive them in Allah's name. Loyalty is also formed from this forgiveness. I try very hard to be loyal to other Muslims because they are following the same guidelines of me and are following the true and only God. I will always offer help to my brothers, and pray for them, no matter what harm they have done to me.

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