The similitude demonstrates a number of points including: 1.

The similitude demonstrates a number of points including: 1. The friendship between two brothers is deeply rooted and firm. 2. The friendship between two brothers is bilateral rather than unilateral. 3. Such friendship is based on innate nature and disposition rather than on worldly and mundane appeals. 4. Two brothers are unanimous before strangers and support each other. 5. The two brothers descend from common progenitors.

It is on this basis that the first step taken by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his household) upon his arrival at Medina was the establishment of the pillars of love and friendship between the Muslims wherein each one of the Helpers [Anṣār] would profess their brotherhood to another person of the Immigrants. This holy covenant has had a profound effect on promoting social relations.

As a result, the feelings of revenge and pre-Islamic tribalism break down and they have been replaced by love, friendship and Islamic brotherhood. Thus, all of them have been associated within the sphere of the true religion and become a single rank and a single nation.

In addition, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him and his household) and his purified household (peace be upon them) have emphasized on different occasions the covenant of brotherhood between believers so that it may be a strong bond which strengthens society’s adherence and promotes the deep relations between the individuals.

Thus, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his household) says: “Whoever fraternises with a brother out of love of God, God will raise for them a degree in Paradise which they would never attain out of their work [4] .” It is narrated from Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) who was reported to have said: “A believer is the brother of a believer, his eye, and his guide; he does not betray him nor wrong him, nor deceive him, nor does he break a promise he made to him [5] .” Meanwhile, when Islam encourages the love of God then, this love is directed towards the lovers and friends of God as well.

On the other hand, showing love to the friends of God brings about remembrance of God since His attributes can be manifested in the conduct and practices of His friends, which would finally lead us to gain proximity to Him. Therefore, on the grounds of love for the sake of God alone does dissociation from His enemies and the unbelievers come into view since an enemy of our beloved is deemed to be our enemy too.