‘Brother’ refers to a Muslim brother— meaning: the one who frightens a Muslim without cause by glaring at him. As for glaring at a wrongdoer to discipline him, that is necessary. (He further writes:) This also indicates that looking at a Muslim brother with mercy earns reward, as Allah Almighty will look upon him with mercy.^[1]

Dear Islamic brothers, reflect upon this beautiful teaching! Even glaring at someone and causing displeasure and distress is impermissible. If only we become successful in wishing well for others, loving our Muslim brothers, and becoming righteous, compassionate, and merciful Muslims.

The Boy’s Foot Was Stepped On

Sayyidunā MisꜤar b. Kidām رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه narrates:

One day, we were walking with Imam Abū Ḥanīfah رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه when the Imam accidently stepped on a boy’s foot. The boy cried out and instinctively said: یَا شَیْخُ اَلَا تَخَافُ الْقِصَاصَ یَوْمَ الْقِیَامَۃِ! “O Shaykh! Do you not fear the divine retribution that will be taken on the Day of Judgement?”

Upon hearing this, Imam al-AꜤẓam رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه trembled intensely and fell to the ground unconscious. After some time, when he regained consciousness, I asked, “Why were you so shaken by the words of a child?” He replied: “Who knows — perhaps his voice was guidance from the unseen.”^[2]

Four Causes of a Bad End

In Sharḥ al-Ṣudūr it is mentioned that some esteemed scholars رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْهمْsay there are four causes of a bad death:

1. Negligence in prayer.

2. Drinking alcohol.

3. Disobedience to parents.