What is this, the proclamation of the days of jahiliya (ignorance)? They said: Allah's Messenger, there is nothing serious. The two young men fell into dispute and the one struck at the back of the other. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Well, a person should help his brother whether he is an oppressor or an oppressed. If he is the oppressor he should prevent him from doing it, for that is his help; and if he is the oppressed he should be helped (against oppression).
Narrated by Jabir b. Abdullah reported that two young men, one from the Muhajirin (emigrants) and the other one from the Angr (helpers) fell into dispute and the Muhajir called his fellow Muhajirin, and the Ansari (the helper) called the Ansar (for help). In the meanwhile, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came there and said:
Context
This hadith addresses a conflict between two young men from different groups, illustrating the importance of unity and support among the Muslim community. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) condemns the call for tribalism and instead encourages helping one another, whether in times of oppression or injustice. This reflects the core values of solidarity and justice in Islam.
Modern Application
In modern contexts, this teaching encourages us to stand against injustice and support one another, regardless of our backgrounds. It highlights the importance of community and the responsibility we have to help those in need.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Community, Good Deeds, and Oppression because it emphasizes the importance of supporting one another and standing against injustice within the community.
And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.
If you do not aid the Prophet - Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, "Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us." And Allah sent down his tranquillity upon him and supported him with angels you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah - that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
[Fighting in] the sacred month is for [aggression committed in] the sacred month, and for [all] violations is legal retribution. So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he has assaulted you. And fear Allah and know that Allah is with those who fear Him.
That [is so]. And whoever responds [to injustice] with the equivalent of that with which he was harmed and then is tyrannized - Allah will surely aid him. Indeed, Allah is Pardoning and Forgiving.
سُورَةُ الصَّافَّاتِ
As-Saaffaat (Those drawn up in Ranks)
بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ
1 ayah
مَا لَكُمْ لَا تَنَاصَرُونَ
[They will be asked], "What is [wrong] with you? Why do you not help each other?"
This hadith is #6420 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship. It is graded Sahih and narrated by Jabir b. Abdullah reported that two young men, one from the Muhajirin (emigrants) and the other one from the Angr (helpers) fell into dispute and the Muhajir called his fellow Muhajirin, and the Ansari (the helper) called the Ansar (for help). In the meanwhile, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) came there and said:.