Sila Rehmi

Book Name:Sila Rehmi

This is a non-exhaustive list of all rights possessed by younger siblings over their elder counterparts.

1.   For younger siblings to be brought up by their elder siblings if their parents pass away. The elders must also facilitate their upbringing and education.

2.   Younger siblings are to have their day-to-day necessities taken care of by the elders, and the latter must support them in difficult times.  As much as possible, elder siblings must fulfil their needs and encourage them.

3.   Younger siblings are entitled to be treated affectionately, even when their parents are still alive.

4.   Backbiting, tale-telling, suspicion and jealousy are all ḥarām against an ordinary Muslim, and these are even more impermissible against younger siblings.

5.   If out of human nature a younger sibling makes a mistake, he or she is to be forgiven by the elder brothers/sisters. They must always be treated with gentleness.

Rights of elder siblings upon their younger siblings

Similarly, the following are certain rights of elder siblings upon their younger siblings:

1.   Elder siblings must be given their deserved and befitting respect.

2.   If parents are not present, the elder siblings must be given the same precedence as the former. If not this, they are at least to be considered guardians or head of affairs.

3.   Younger siblings should try to act upon the permissible commands issued by their elder siblings as much as possible.