children. Such reconciliation is impermissible, haram, and an action that leads to Hell.

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                 صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Benefits of reconciliation

May Allah Almighty grant us the ability to reconcile according to the stipulations of shariah. To reconcile is something praiseworthy. By doing so, one pleases Allah Almighty and His Messenger صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم; the experiences in the grave are made easy; the stages in the hereafter become easy; one becomes close to Paradise and distant from Hell; one’s honour increases in the eyes of people; one gains a good reputation; love spreads and hatred diminishes; Satan is disgraced; discord amongst families end; one feels committed to do good towards relatives; one gains peace; and restlessness comes to an end. In short, there are countless benefits of reconciling.

It is unfortunate that despite there being so many benefits, some people avoid reconciling and fuel discord. Their lack of Islamic knowledge plays a major part in this. In such situations, Satan also lays down his trap by preventing people from reconciling and strives his utmost to maintain enmity between people. We should take the initiative by reconciling and attempt to gain the benefits of this world and the hereafter.

What was the approach of our pious predecessors رَحْمَۃُ اللہِ عَلَیْہِمْ to reconciliation? Let us look at one faith-inspiring incident in this regard.

The desire to not enter Paradise before his brother

Sayyidunā Abū Hurayrah رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ narrates that the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “It is not permissible for a Muslim to break ties with his brother for more than 3 nights, and the first to reconcile will be the first to enter Paradise.”