‘Abdallah b. Mas’ud said: At the battle of Badr there was one camel to every three men of us. Abu Lubaba and ‘Ali b. Abu Talib were the travelling companions of God’s Messenger, and when his turn to dismount came they would offer to walk instead of him, but he would reply, “You are not stronger than I am, and I am not more able to dispense with the reward* than you are.” (Narrated by Ahmad) * i.e. the reward in the next world for walking part of the way.
This Hadith emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights of companions and refraining from overstepping them. Islam places great emphasis on fostering good relations among people, encouraging the building and safeguarding of such relationships. Among these relationships is fellowship.
Fellowship refers to a transient relationship that arises from a shared endeavor. It includes various types, such as work fellowship, study fellowship, childhood friendship, travel companionship, and others. These relationships are typically short-lived, imposed by circumstances, and often characterized by competition among individuals.
Fellowship is a beautiful relationship imbued with noble meanings. It is a great blessing appreciated by those who enjoy and nurture it and sorely missed by those who lose its charm.
Islam's Care for Fellowship
Islam has shown significant concern for fostering fellowship to promote cooperation in doing good. Allah says, “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (Al-Ma'idah: 2)
Additionally, Allah emphasizes the rights of fellowship: “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.” (An-Nisa: 36) The “companion at your side” mentioned in the ayah refers to the fellow companion with whom a spatial or temporary relationship has been established. Al-Tabari interprets this as the companion in travel.
The importance of maintaining good relations with companions is also highlighted in the Hadith narrated by At-Tirmidhi, in which Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The best of companions with Allah is the one who is best to his companions.”
Furthermore, we will be held accountable for our companionship before Allah. Ibn Jarir reported that every individual will be asked about their companionship, even if it lasted for just an hour, whether they fulfilled Allah's rights within it or neglected them.
In light of this emphasis, Islam has established rights to build and safeguard fellowship relationships.
Rights That Build Fellowship
- Mutual Acquaintance Among Fellows:
Allah says, “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.” (Al-Hujurat: 13) Acquaintance removes estrangement and fear and helps people recognize others’ positions so they can be treated accordingly. Islam instructs us to accord people their due respect and address them in ways suitable to their understanding. Mutual acquaintance among fellows facilitates choosing righteous companions or being cautious of a corrupt or sinful one.
- Good Communication and Emotional Sharing:
This includes treating companions with respect, affection, and harmony. It involves addressing companions by their preferred names, avoiding raising one’s voice at them, inquiring about them in their absence, visiting them when ill, and assisting them when in need. If a companion is sad, they should be consoled and supported, and if happy, their joy should be shared and celebrated.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “A Muslim has five duties towards another Muslim: to return a salutation, visit the sick, follow funerals, accept an invitation and say ‘God have mercy on you’ when one sneezes.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
These rights emphasize positive communication and active participation between companions, creating a beautiful spirit of fellowship. An anecdote from Ibn Abi Al-Dunya’s Makarim Al-Akhlaq reflects this spirit: Muhammad ibn Al-Munthir narrated, “I was walking with Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad, and the strap of my sandal broke. He took off his own sandal and said, ‘I will accompany you barefoot.’”
- Cooperation Among Fellows in Righteousness:
Allah commands cooperation in righteousness and piety, saying: “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” (Al-Ma'idah: 2)
Cooperation among fellows facilitates overcoming difficulties, removing obstacles, and achieving success in organizations.
- Fulfilling Work Obligations Without Burdening Companions:
Each fellow should fulfill their responsibilities and not rely on others to do their work. A fellow may even volunteer for more challenging tasks.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) set an example of this in a journey. He assigned tasks for cooking a sheep, and when he said he would collect the firewood, his companions offered to do it for him. However, he replied, “I know that you can do it for me, but I dislike distinguishing myself from you.” (Narrated in Jami' Al-Masanid wa Al-Sunan by Ibn Kathir) Therefore, every companion should fulfill their duty, and not to burden their fellows with their duties.
Rights That Protect Fellowship
- Preserving Companionship:
This includes safeguarding secrets, refraining from betrayal, and seeking excuses for companions. It is said: “Seek seventy excuses for your brother, and if you cannot find one, perhaps he has an excuse unknown to you.”
- Humility Among Fellows: Arrogance in competitive relationships among fellows can lead to resentment and discord. Anas reported Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) as saying, “Nurse no grudge, nurse no aversion and do not sever ties of kinship and live like fellow-brothers as servants of Allah.” (Narrated by Muslim)
- Avoiding Interference in Matters That Do Not Concern You:
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “A sign of man's good observance of Islam (his piety) is to keep away from that which does not concern him.” (Narrated by Ibn Majah)
A fellow should not interfere in another’s personal or family matters. If the fellowship is between a man and a woman, they must avoid being alone in a closed space, as the Shaitan is the third party among them.
Conversations should remain work-related, strictly adhering to Islamic guidelines in speech and conduct.
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