[^2] This type of brotherhood may serve at least one of the...

[^2] This type of brotherhood may serve at least one of the two following purposes: It substitutes the blood relationship with a spiritual relationship. When two persons are from two clans tribes or communities their brotherhood in principles and beliefs take the place of brotherhood by birth. This makes the two brothers in religion ready to co-operate in promotion of their religion.

Both brothers become immune to hostility if some misunderstanding takes place between one of the two brothers and the relatives of the other. The brotherhood between two persons from two tribes or clans makes each one of them a friend to the members of the clan or tribe of the other. Each one of the two brothers loves the other and each has relatives with whom he reciprocates love. These relatives through this brotherhood become indirectly tied to the spiritual brother of their relative.

Thus the religious brotherhood becomes an extension of the blood relationship and the blood relationship becomes an extension of the religious brotherhood. When it is by the Prophet's selection this kind of brotherhood is an evidence of a mutual spiritual resemblance between the two brothers. The Prophet knew about his companions more than they knew about themselves. Two companions may not be aware of their spiritual resemblance as much as he is.

Thus when he makes two of them brothers their brotherhood should enhance their cooperation and develop in proportion to their sincerity towards their religion. The Significance Of The Brotherhood Looking at the brotherhood between the Messenger and ‘Ali before and after the Hijrah we find that their brotherhood does not serve the first purpose namely: Creation of a close relationship between two persons from two clans tribes or communities.

The Messenger and ‘Ali were not from two cities or tribes or clans. They were first cousins. The Messenger did not "brother" anyone before or after the Hijrah except ‘Ali. From this we can infer that the purpose of the brotherhood between the Messenger and ‘Ali was to announce their mutual spiritual resemblance. The brotherhood between the Messenger and ‘Ali is a well known fact in the history of Islam. It was reported through many channels.

This brotherhood was meaningful and highly important in the eyes of the Messenger.