Ukhuwwa
Definition
Ukhuwwa is the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood that Islam establishes between all believers — a bond that the Quran describes as stronger than biology: 'The believers are but brothers.' Al-Ghazali argues that this is not merely a rhetorical claim but a lived obligation, one that carries specific rights and duties that make concrete demands on the Muslim's time, wealth, emotional energy, and honesty. The person who calls themselves a brother or sister but fulfils none of the rights of brotherhood has appropriated a title without accepting its responsibilities.
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
How the scholars use Ukhuwwa.
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"Those who seek leadership through knowledge fall outside the meaning of Allah's saying, "The believers are but brothers," and instead fall into the meaning of, "Close friends will be enemies to one another that Day, except the righteous. The second duty is to emulate the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and not seek reward or thanks for imparting knowledge."
— Imam al-Ghazali, Book 1: The Book of Knowledge
Appears in
1 book in the library
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