Muslim Voice

Fathiyyah Bashshar

“No two people who love one another for the sake of Allah, or for the sake of Islam, will let the first minor offence of either of them come between them.” [Bukhari]

On several occasions, I remember being told that other females were my “sisters”…whether they were related to me or not. As a youth, I always questioned exactly what this meant. It baffled me that a female that was not one of Mommy and Daddy’s daughters could be called my sister. Well I learned later on in life exactly what this concept meant and I strongly identify with it. Sisterhood is a concept that implies that all women are linked together by a strong bond, despite ANY differences they may have. Despite their differences, whether big or small, they share the unchangeable fact that they are women. Ideally, being a woman comes first and is supposed to be a determining factor by which a woman governs her whole life. There is such a great emphasis placed on gender rather than any other group identifying factor. Gender is supposed to be one of the most powerful of uniting forces. It is a force that women, and men alike, are to feel a dominant connection to.

Theoretically, women are to embrace sisterhood and every component from which it is formed. However, we live in a far from ideal world and sisterhood does not necessarily apply to every woman nor does it have a universal definition. This is a huge problem since the concept of sisterhood is based on global unity and is supposed to break cultural, political, and social barriers. It is no secret that women rarely fit into one box; instead they have many identifiable characteristics that make it difficult to categorize them. Sisterhood is intended to blur these differences and bring these women close together. It is evident that we should ALL embrace the concept of sisterhood, proudly and move a step closer to complete unity!!!

     Sisterhood is something that is absolutely necessary for the well-being of Muslim women, particularly here in the West where large extended families may not exist. As Allah says in His book; “Surely the believers are but brothers. So set things right between your two brothers, and be aware of Allah – perhaps you will obtain mercy” Surah Hujurat (Q49:10).  Sisterhood among Muslim women cannot be more emphasized than in the present times when there is such an onslaught against Islam in general as well as Muslims in particular. Preserving the ties of sisterhood in the Muslim ummah at this point in time is necessary and in a sense vital not only for the strengthening of the community but for its very survival. 

When carried out in its true essence i.e. in the way and manner in which it was described by and practiced by the prophet Muhammad (SAW), it would lead to increase in iman and our sense of identity leading to a genuine sense of belonging.  As Muslim women there are certain rights, which we owe our fellow Muslim sister, and which we have been commanded to fulfill.

Meeting and Greeting Sisters – It is obligatory as Muslims for us to spread the greetings of salaam to one another wherever and whenever we meet. This spreads love and compassion between us. It’s also part of good manners and social etiquette; salaams should be initiated before talking or striking up a conversation. The Muslim who greets first with the salaam is the one best in conduct. It is also recommended that we meet our Muslim sister with a cheerful countenance as this has a good effect on her. 

As Muslim women we should be in the forefront in the race to attain good deeds and what better way to achieve this than to be in the company and service of our fellow Muslim sisters who may be less fortunate than us. For if we remove the distress of a fellow sister in this life; Allah (SWT) would remove our distress on the Day of Judgment. May Almighty Allah make it easy for us all to increase ourselves in imam and in taqwa? And may He assist us in being woman of exemplary character. 

You are not a true believer until you love for your sister what you love for yourself. We love for our sister to be in Paradise as much as we love to be there ourselves, and we strive to please Allah together, side by side in this beautiful relationship called Sisterhood.