Taking Over the Rights of Others is a Major Sin
Abu Umamah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Whoever unlawfully seizes the right of a Muslim by means of a false oath, Allah will make the Hellfire obligatory for him and Paradise forbidden for him. A man asked, O Messenger of Allah, even if it is something insignificant? The Prophet ﷺ replied: Yes, even if it is only a small twig from an Arak tree.” (Sahih Muslim)
Islam places great emphasis on safeguarding the rights of people. Wrongfully taking another person’s rights through false oaths, abuse of authority, or any other unjust means is a grave sin. Even if the object taken is of very little value, the warning remains severe.
Therefore, every Muslim should be extremely careful regarding the rights of others. If someone has violated another person’s rights, they should sincerely repent to Allah and restore those rights to their rightful owner. If Islam gives such a serious warning concerning the rights of people, then neglecting the rights of Allah is an even greater danger that every believer should keep in mind.
Show Compassion to Allah’s Creation
The more compassion a person shows towards Allah’s creation, the more Allah will show mercy to that person. Indeed, the reward is in accordance with one’s deeds.
Therefore, we should show love and kindness to all people and sincerely wish them well. In doing so, we should not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, language, or any other difference. We should see every person simply as a fellow human being. We should never allow our hearts to be filled with hatred, deceit, jealousy, vengeance, greed for status, or hardness of heart. It is people who possess such diseases of the heart who bring harm to others. Allah is most loving and most merciful, and He loves mercy and kindness.
Religious Tolerance Demonstrated by the Arabs in History
Isho Yahb III, who served as Patriarch from AD 647 to 657, said:
“You know well how the Arabs, to whom God has given dominion over the world, treat us. They are not enemies of Christianity. Rather, they praise our religion, honor, our priests and saints, and extend their support to our churches and monasteries.”
Sadaqah
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Seven (people) will be shaded by Allah by His shade on the day of resurrection when there will be no shade except His shade. And of them will be a man who gives in charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.”
