Sayings of the Messenger of Allah concernig relatives
Giving the Salam
When we give our salam to another Muslim and he answers it, we are actually praying for each other’s peace in life. Thus our relationship will become closer. This is one of the signs of people who have Faith.
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) related that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “You shall not enter Heaven unless you have faith and your faith is not complete until you show love towards one another. Would you want me to show you how you can achieve this? Shower your Salam upon one another.”
Giving Salam To Our Family
We often visit our relatives, friends and neighbours. Before we enter their houses or our own, we should say the salam. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) related that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “O my son, when you enter the house of your family, give the salam so that you and your family may receive Allah’s blessing.”
If we are visiting another person’s house, we should leave if our salam is not answered after the third time. That is the etiquette of visiting. The purpose of saying the salam is so that we and our family may receive Allah’s blessing.
Never Speak ill of a Meal
To speak ill of the food served by someone is bad. Such an act tells of someone ungrateful. Imagine the amount of hard work that goes into preparing and serving the food. It hurts a mother to hear her effort being slighted. Thus if you like it, eat it but if you don’t, just leave it with gentle words and never with an angry tone.
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) never once spoke ill of a meal. If he liked it, he ate it and if he did not like it, he left it untouched.”
It Is Sinful To Disobey Our Parents
Allah commands every Muslim to care for his parents properly, with kindness and courtesy. Mughirah bin Shu’bah (may Allah be pleased with him) related that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Verily, Allah forbids you from disobeying your parents.”
We are to heed their advice. Never show our stubbornness and disobey them with harsh words. As their child, we should repay their kindness in providing for and bringing us up. To disobey our parents is a disgraceful act and a serious sin.
Heaven Lies Under the Feet of Our Mother
Whoever intends to enter Heaven should respect and dignify his parents, especially his mother. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) related that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Verily, Heaven lies under the feet of our mother.”
Our mother has carried and given birth to us. Furthermore, her du’a will be granted by Allah. Thus, we must serve her well.
To Receive and Give Gifts
To give and receive gifts is a virtue. This practice can make our relationship much closer. Always exchange a gift with a gift. However, we should remember that the value of a gift is not in its price but in the sincerity that goes with it.
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) related: “The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) received and gave gifts.”
Every Mumin Should Support One Another
Every mumin (believer), regardless of his race or language, must cooperate with one another in doing good deeds. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “One mumin to another mumin is like a building that supports one another.”
Whenever we know that our friend is weak in a certain matter, we should help and support him so that we can progress together. This is similar to a building where every wall, pillar, floor and roof supports one another so that the building can stand erect.
MUHAMMAD YUSUF
