During the blessed month of Ramadan, when mercy and forgiveness should be at their peak, too many Muslims are boycotting their own brothers and sisters over petty disputes. This episode addresses the serious sin of cutting off a fellow Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) warnings about breaking ties of kinship and brotherhood, and practical guidance for reconciliation during the month when the gates of Paradise are open and the gates of Hellfire are closed.
The Sin of Boycotting Your Brother
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that it is not permissible for a Muslim to boycott his brother for more than three days. The better of the two is the one who initiates the greeting of peace. During Ramadan, when every good deed is multiplied and Allah’s mercy descends in abundance, maintaining a grudge against a fellow Muslim is not just a missed opportunity — it is a direct contradiction of everything this blessed month represents.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said it is not permissible for a Muslim to boycott his brother for more than three days. The better of the two is the one who gives salaam first.
Reconciliation During Ramadan
- Boycotting a fellow Muslim for more than three days without a valid Islamic reason is a serious sin
- Ramadan is the month of mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation — there is no better time to mend broken relationships
- Pride and ego are the primary obstacles to reconciliation, and both are enemies of faith
- The one who initiates peace is the better of the two in the sight of Allah, regardless of who was “right” in the dispute
If you are boycotting your brother during Ramadan, you are missing the entire point of this blessed month. Swallow your pride, pick up the phone, and give salaam. Be the better person.
