The Enduring Bond of Sisterhood
BY DR. AISHA HAMDAN
The Prophet said, “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will taste the sweetness of Eman (faith): One to whom Allaah and His Messenger become dearer than anything else, whoever loves his brother (or sister) solely for Allaah’s sake, and whoever hates to revert to disbelief just as he loathes to be thrown into the Fire.” [Al-Bukhaari
and Muslim]
Although we readily understand the sweetness of Emaan (faith) that one experiences from loving Allaah and His Prophet and hating to revert to disbelief, the concept of loving a sister in Islam is not often discussed in this manner. How could love of a sister in Islam be tied to the sweetness of Eman? In essence, love for the sake of Allaah is a thing that cannot be truly grasped until it is experienced. But some explanation may be beneficial. Love for the Sake of Allaah
When a Muslim woman loves her sister ‘in Islam’ she loves her for the ‘sake of Allaah,’ subhanahu wa ta’ala—as noted in the hadeeth. This means that her love for her sister is connected to, and is part of her love for Allaah. She may love her and want to befriend her and be close to her for all the good reasons people love and befriend one another, but in addition, she loves her and treats her in the manner that Allaah has ordained she be treated in. Maintaining that as the basis for the relationship is what strips the love from worldly elements, and purifies it so that she and her friend know and feel their love extend way beyond this world. In this way, a Muslim woman is certain that her love for her sister will endure, because they share a special bond that can never be broken, the bond of faith in Allaah, the Creator of all humankind, the Lord through whose Love people love, respect and be kind to one another. It is a bond between hearts and minds that brings them together in a
unique and special way; so much so that they are willing to sacrifice anything for each other knowing they will gain the pleasure of Allaah in the process. Nothing is ever done for worldly gain or purpose...
This organization is just for this reason to love and learn from one another for the sake of Allah...Allahu Akbar