Why do Muslims call fellow non-related Muslims brothers or sisters?
Muslims refer to one another as brothers and sisters as an expression of the strong sense of unity and kinship that exists within the Muslim community, transcending biological ties. This concept is rooted in the teachings of the Qur'an and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Qur'an states, The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that haply ye may obtain mercy.
49:10. This verse emphasizes that all believers share a bond of brotherhood, urging them to maintain peace and fulfill their duties to one another and to Allah.
In addition to the Qur'anic teachings, numerous hadith reinforce the importance of this brotherhood. The Prophet ﷺ said, A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim; he does not oppress him nor forsake him. Whoever alleviates the need of his brother, Allah will alleviate his needs.
Sahih al-Bukhari 89:12. This highlights the mutual support and compassion that should characterize the relationship between Muslims.
Furthermore, the rights and responsibilities of Muslims towards each other are discussed in detail in various narrations. For example, Al-Kafi narrates: The right of a Muslim upon another Muslim is that he should not be full while his brother is hungry, nor quenched while his brother is thirsty, nor clothed while his brother is naked. How great then is the right of the Muslim over his Muslim brother! He said: Love for your Muslim brother what you love for yourself, and if you are in need ask him, and if he asks you, give to him; do not withhold goodness from him nor should he withhold from you. Be a support for him, for he is your support when you are absent. Guard him during his absence, visit him when he is present, honor him and hold him in esteem because he is from you and you are from him. If a fault lies upon him, do not separate from him until you seek his pardon. If good befalls him, thank God, and if he is tested, assist him; if you grant him respite, then help him. And when a man says to his brother 'uff' (an expression of anger or disrespect), the bond of loyalty between them is broken; and if he calls him his enemy, then one of them has disbelieved. When suspicion enters his heart, faith melts away like salt dissolves in water.
Al-Kafi 1:612. This narration illustrates the deep connections and responsibilities Muslims have towards one another, reinforcing the notion that they should care for each other's well-being as if they were family.
Collectively, these teachings foster a strong community spirit and emphasize the importance of support, compassion, and mutual respect among Muslims, leading to the common practice of calling each other brothers and sisters.
Sources
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49:10 · Al-Hujuraat
49:10 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌۭ فَأَصْلِحُوا۟ بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that haply ye may obtain mercy.
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Sahih al-Bukhari 89:12
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 89, Hadith 12 · Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim; he does not oppress him nor forsake him. Whoever alleviates the need of his brother, Allah will alleviate his needs."
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Al-Kafi 1:612
Al-Kafi · Book 1, Hadith 612 · Narrated by Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him)
The right of a Muslim upon another Muslim is that he should not be full while his brother is hungry, nor quenched while his brother is thirsty, nor clothed while his brother is naked. How great then is the right of the Muslim over his Muslim brother! He said: Love for your Muslim brother what you love for yourself, and if you are in need ask him, and if he asks you, give to him; do not withhold goodness from him nor should he withhold from you. Be a support for him, for he is your support when you are absent. Guard him during his absence, visit him when he is present, honor him and hold him in esteem because he is from you and you are from him. If a fault lies upon him, do not separate from him until you seek his pardon. If good befalls him, thank God, and if he is tested, assist him; if you grant him respite, then help him. And when a man says to his brother “uff” (an expression of anger or disrespect), the bond of loyalty between them is broken; and if he calls him his enemy, then one of them has disbelieved. When suspicion enters his heart, faith melts away like salt dissolves in water. It was said to me: I have heard that he said: The believer's light shines to the inhabitants of the heavens as the stars shine to the people on earth. And he said: The believer is the friend of God, who helps him and establishes the truth about him, and no one speaks against him except the truth, and he fears no one but God.
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