By: Mohammad Kamrul Islam
Poet, Essayist & Human Rights Activist

Introduction

In this world, there are many known and unknown mysteries, one of which is relationship. It is a crucial aspect of life — filled with affection, care, sincerity, and an unspoken, mystical emotional pull. Sadly, that deep emotional connection no longer has the same power it once held.

Among all relationships, the brother-sister bond today clearly lacks warmth and sincerity. Honesty has been eroded, love is fading, and transparency has almost vanished. Children born to the same parents, who grow up together with their love and care — are meant to live in a pure, strong, and unselfish emotional bond. But ironically, it is often this highest form of relationship that gets denied for selfish reasons.

A true sibling bond should be pure, sincere, and selfless — a companionship that lasts from childhood to the grave. Siblings are meant to be each other’s closest partners in joy and sorrow. This sacred relationship should be marked by humility, respect, politeness, and a spirit of service and support. Unfortunately, this ideal is now rare. Due to family disputes and the lure of wealth, this bond is under serious threat.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The best of you is he who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 3895)

He also said:

“None of you will truly believe until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 13)

The Harsh Reality

In today’s society, it is painful to see that siblings — even brothers among themselves — often do not share in each other’s sorrows, do not check up on one another, and barely maintain social ties. In truth, siblings should not just be relatives, but true friends. They should advise one another, never exploit each other’s property or wealth, and always support each other in hardship.

But the harsh and bitter reality is that most siblings today do not move even a step without self-interest. When one commits injustice in the family, others stay silent to protect their own benefit — a trait of hypocrisy.

If a sibling commits wrongdoing, it is the duty of the other to raise their voice and resist the injustice. As narrated by Hazrat Anas (RA), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed. If he is an oppressor, stop him from oppression.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2444)

Due to disputes over inheritance and other family matters, the brother-sister bond is now endangered. No relationship — especially this one — should be broken. Because on the Day of Judgment, even if we are reunited with others, it may be that we are not reunited with our siblings. A truly painful thought.

If siblings maintain good relations in this world, their chances of reuniting in the Hereafter increase. But if a brother causes pain to his sister while she is alive, betrays her trust, or wrongs her without consent, then Allah may not reunite them in the afterlife — unless she had knowingly, willingly, and freely forgiven or given away her right.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“On that Day, every person will have enough concern of his own to make him indifferent to others.”
(Surah Abasa, Verse 37)

On the Day of Judgment, everyone will be so busy accounting for their deeds that they won’t have time to care about others — something we rarely consider during our worldly lives. If we truly remembered this even a little, we wouldn’t deceive others for temporary gains, power, beauty, or pleasure.

Much of what we do in this world — showing off, seeking admiration, being praised or obeyed — are meaningless acts. Even worse, these can lead to severe punishment in the Hereafter.

Divine Accountability

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And those who believed and whose offspring followed them in faith — We will join their offspring with them, and We will not deprive them of anything of their deeds. Every person is a pledge for what he has earned.”
(Surah At-Tur, Verse 21)

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:

“Where are those who loved one another for My sake? Today I shall give them shade in My Shade on the Day when there is no shade but Mine.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2566)

He also said:

“A person will be with those whom he loves.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6171)

Conclusion: The Call to Righteous Love

Therefore, we must be careful when choosing our friends, loving others, and dealing with family ties. We already know: “Righteous companionship leads to Paradise; evil companionship leads to ruin.”

Where siblings have shown hatred, mistreated one another, or harbored resentment — their reunion in the Hereafter may be impossible. Allah knows best. On the other hand, those who loved one another solely for Allah’s sake, never violated each other’s rights, and maintained justice — they will indeed be reunited on the Day of Resurrection.

Let us all love one another for the sake of Allah alone — never for wealth, power, or worldly pleasure. Let us build a life guided by the Qur’an and Hadith. Let us stay righteous and help others be righteous as well. And most importantly, let us preserve the sacred bond of siblingship — a gift that is divine and eternal.