Enraged Brothers

Enraged Brothers

The recent spate of Muslim on Muslim violence paints a chilling picture of enraged brothers brandishing guns against each other and against anyone who dares to even sniff at their macho image. They are the new generation of aristocratic hoodlums. Their personal integrity is heightened by the volume of sound decibels, their exquisite cars reflect their family fortunes and their designer clothes reflect their frivolous mindset. Their aggressive disposition is further enhanced by the blind support of enraged parents who are ensnared into otherwise petty squabbles.

Drawing Arms Against Each Other

Abu Bakra R.A. narrates that Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "When two Muslims confront each other with their weapons, (and consequently one is killed) then the murderer and the murdered are both in Hell fire." I asked: "O Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam the murderer’s abode (is self-explanatory), but what is the fault of the murdered?" Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam replied: "He was equally anxious to murder his Muslim brother."

Impact on Society

The Holy Qur’ân states: "He who murders a being, (for reasons other than) retaliation or for spreading corruption and mischief on earth, it would be as if he murdered all mankind, and if anyone saved a life it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind."

Murder and bloodshed generate imponderable fear, it undermines the sanctity of life, and it sows the seeds of friction, stress, hatred and slander. It undermines the sanctity of life, property and stability. It fuels the flames of vengeance and retaliation. Violence begets violence! It leads to a murky underworld that ultimately impacts on every member of a society.

Animosity

Sporadic incidents of wanton murder and aggressive behaviour are partly due to pride and hatred. Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam has said: "BE CAREFUL OF ANIMOSITY, FOR IT (HAS THE PROPENSITY) TO DESTROY."

Bigotry

Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam has said: "He who calls towards bigotry is not of us, he who fights because of bigotry is not of us, he who dies for the cause of bigotry is not of us." It does not behove a Muslim to defend or fight a people, simply because of family ties or ethnic origins. Muslims need to guard against emotional and violent outbursts that arise from blind allegiance to tribal and ancestral origins.

Wealth and Children

The holy Qur'ân states: "Your wealth and children are but a trial…." Wealth and children have the tendency to prevail over the better judgement of parents and may contribute to an aggressive sense of belonging or an emotionally charged response against anything that threatens their wealth or children.

Appropriate Conduct

Abu Huraira radhiyallahu anhu says that Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam stated: "My Rabb had commanded me with nine things:

1. To fear of Allah in public and in secret.

2. To utter a lust word in times of anger or pleasure.

3. Moderation in times of poverty and wealth.

4. To foster ties with those that severe (them).

5. To give to those who deprive me.

6. To pardon those who oppress me.

7. And that my silence be in contemplation and my speech be a (constant) reminder
(of the Hereafter).

8. My gaze (at the cycle of life) be a lesson.

9. And that I should enjoin virtue."

The Holy Qur'ân states: "Believers are those who abstain from major sins (shirk, disobedience to parents, murder, false testimony and theft). Even when they are angry they forgive. They are those when an oppressive wrong is done to them, they defend themselves (fully aware) that the recompense of an evil is an evil like thereof, yet whoever forgives and reconciles, his reward is with Allah..."

THE HALLMARK OF A BELIEVER IS ABSTINENCE FROM INDULGING IN MAJOR SINS. MURDER IS INCOMPATIBLE TO FAITH AS IS DARKNESS TO LIGHT ONE OF THE DIRECTIVES OF NABI SALLALLAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM AT THE FAREWELL HAJJ WAS: "REGARD THE LIFE AND PROPERTY OF EVERY MUSLIM TO BE A SACRED TRUST… HURT NO ONE SO THAT NO ONE HURTS YOU. REMEMBER THAT YOU WILL INDEED MEET YOUR LORD, WHO WILL CALL YOU TO ACCOUNT FOR YOUR DEEDS…"

May Allah Ta’âla protect us and our children from the insidious scourge of our very own brothers. Âmîn.

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