FULFILLMENT OF RIGHTS
After the migration of the Prophet of Islam from Makkah to Madinah (Hijrah), he established a bond of brotherhood between Salman and Abu al-Darda. This brotherhood among the Sahabah was a system set up between the Muhajirun (emigrants) and the Ansar (helpers) to address the economic hardship faced by the emigrants. When Salman and Abu al-Darda began living together, Salman noticed that Abu al-Darda fasted every day and spent most of his nights in prayer, leaving little time for his other responsibilities.
Salman advised Abu al-Darda against this. He told him that, alongside the rights of God, human beings also have rights over him, and that he must fulfill the rights of everyone who is entitled to them. When the Prophet of Islam heard about this, he praised Salman, saying, “Salman has spoken rightly.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1968) In another narration, he said, “Salman is a man of deeper understanding.” (Ilal al-Daraqutni, Volume 8, Page 128) It is also reported: “Salman has been granted a share of knowledge.” (Hilyat al-Awliya by al-Asfahani, Volume 1, Page 188)
In Islam, the matter of giving rightful people their due is so serious that a hadith states: “If you do not give someone their rightful due in this world, you will be required to return it on the Day of Judgment.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2582) That is, in this world of trial, anyone who fails to fulfill the rights of others will, on the Day of Judgment, be compelled to repay what is due in the most serious manner.
The concept of fulfilling rights is not limited to a single area; it extends to all aspects of life. For example, the right of one’s home is to fulfill responsibilities toward one’s spouse and children; the right of one’s neighbour is not to cause them any harm; the right of the road is to avoid actions that inconvenience other travellers; the right of society is to treat others with kindness and goodwill; the right of the community is to take responsibility for its welfare and progress and never neglect it.
Fulfilling rights is a comprehensive principle, one that applies to all areas of life.
