ভূমিকা

Allah has not bestowed upon His servants a bounty more important than success in keeping and associating with religious friends. But do you not observe that the primary Grace which God granted to the Prophets at the time of their Prophethood was a friend, brother and wali? It is apparent from this that after the bounty of cognizance of God and His Prophets, there is no bounty more pure and pleasant than brotherhood in the path of God and a righteous friend.

One ought to refrain from entering into friendship and brotherhood with those, who seek these alliances out of avarice or worldly motives. A few brothers (in religion) who possess great cognizance, are better than numerous ones who lack this attribute.[^3] A Mu’min is the Brother of Another Mu’min Imam Baqir (a.s.) related: Once, a group of Muslims had set off on a journey, but in the course of their travel, they lost their way.

Their supplies were soon exhausted and they were overcome by intense thirst. (With no water in sight and imagining their end to be near) they put on their shrouds and sat down, resting themselves against the trees. Suddenly, an old man in white apparels approached them and said: “Arise, for you have nothing to fear. Here is some water for you.” They scrambled for the water and drank to their fill after which, turning to the old man, they said, “May God have mercy upon you!

Who are you?” “I belong to the Jinn community, who had pledged allegiance to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.). I had heard him say: ‘A Mu'min is the brother of another Mu'min. He is his eyes and his guide (too).’ I could not allow you to die of thirst, while I was here.”[^4] Bond of Brotherhood Muhammad Ibn A’jlaan narrates: I was in the company of Imam Sadiq (a.s.) when a man, from a distant city, arrived and greeted the gathering.

“How were your brothers when you took leave of them?” the Imam (a.s.) asked him.