THE NECESSITY OF HONOURING MUSLIMS’ RIGHTS

Rasūlullāh (sallallāhu alayhi wa sallam) said: “A Muslim has five duties towards another Muslim: To respond to his salām, visit him when he is sick, attend their funeral, accept their invitation, and say ‘Yarhamukallāh’ when he sneezes.”

Accepting an invitation comes with conditions. According to the book “Ihyā Ulum al-Din,” it is mentioned: “If the food served at the invitation is doubtful, one should not accept the invitation.” Also, one should avoid attending if the venue has silk draperies, silver utensils, or paintings of living beings, if music and instruments are played, or if prohibited activities are taking place.

If the host is an oppressor, a heretical innovator, an open sinner, or evil, or if the invitation is solely for show, it is inappropriate to accept. “Shir’ah al-Islām” states, “One should not respond to invitations made with the intention of showing off.” According to the fiqh book “Muhit,” “One should not sit at a table where music, dancing, or drinking takes place.” “Matālib” notes, “A believer must respond to an invitation that does not involve these prohibitions, although it is rare nowadays to find such an occasion.”

Visiting the sick is a sunnah. It is recommended to visit a sick person if they have someone to look after their needs. If they have no one, visiting them becomes obligatory on fellow Muslims.

Attending a Janāzah Salāh is necessary. Even if it is by taking a few steps behind the coffin, the rights of the mayyit should be fulfilled. Furthermore, attending congregational prayers like Jumu‘ah Salāh, five daily salāh, and Eid prayers are fundamental commands of Islam. After fulfilling these obligations, you can dedicate the rest of your time to solitude in dhikrullāh. (Maktūbāt-i Sharīfah, Vol. 1, Letter 265, Fazilet Publishing)