ACTIONS THAT PROMOTE
FRATERNAL FEELINGS

Complaints and hatred need to be replaced with love and well-wishing. This will help cement relationships and build a more harmonious society.

An important principle of Islam is promoting brotherly feelings with fellow human beings. The Prophet of Islam once observed: “O people, shake hands; this will obviate malice. Give others gifts. This will foster love among you and will help in putting an end to enmity.” (Muwatta Imam Malik, Hadith No. 694)

Human society is a collection of individuals who have their feelings and sensitivities. When such people live together in unity, it promotes good human relations. Greeting and shaking hands with one another create a good ambiance in society. Being pleasant when meeting people, regardless of their belief system or community, helps nurture a more harmonious society. Even such a small gesture as a smile and a few sincerely meant kind words can help overcome feelings of alienation and replace them with feelings of amity and closeness.

This is of immense importance in efforts to promote better relations between people who subscribe to different religions. Being genuinely courteous and friendly with people from different faith backgrounds can go a long way in improving inter-community or interfaith relations.

Cultivating fraternal feelings for each other at the level of individuals can go a long way toward promoting positive relations between members of different communities. However, positive propensities need to be promoted at the level of individuals and communities. An atmosphere marred by complaints and hatred must be replaced by love and compassion, thus promoting healthy relationships.