Islamic teachings about elder brother

O devotees of Rasool! After parents the relationship between a sister and brother is considered to be very close. After the death of parents, there is a danger that their relationship (i.e. brother and sister) will get worse. Therefore, to settle disagreements between brothers and sisters, the person Islam has honoured after parents and has granted rank and esteem and taught that he must be respected and revered is none other than the elder brother. To highlight the importance of the elder brother, the Beloved Rasool صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated: ‘حَقُّ كَبِيْرِ الْاِخْوَةِ عَلٰى صَغِيْرِهِمْ حَقُّ الْوَالِدِ عَلٰى وَلَدِهٖ’ The right of the elder brother over his younger brothers and sisters is like the right of the father over the son. (Shu’ab-ul-Iman, vol. 6, pp. 210, Hadees 7929)

Remember! Allah Almighty has created the same affection and love in the heart of the elder brother for his younger brothers and sisters as He has created in the heart of the father. In the presence of the father, the elder brother takes care of younger siblings and fulfils their needs. If the father passes away, the elder brother carries his responsibilities in a good manner. All these favours of the elder brother demand that the younger brothers and sisters respect him, give him the status of parents in their absence, or at least consider him to be their Nigran [guardian]. They should refrain from backbiting, tale-telling and bad presumptions against him. They should, as far as possible, act upon his permissible desires and orders. They should always maintain a good relationship with him and if he ever becomes angry, they should take the initiative and apologize to him and try their best to bring him round.

Treat elder brother well

Sayyiduna Jareer Bin Haazim رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه has stated: I once had a dream in which I saw that my head was in my hands. In order to get its interpretation, I related my dream to Sayyiduna Ibn-e-Seereen (who was an expert in interpreting dreams). He asked me: ‘Are any of your parents alive?’ I replied in the negative. He then said, ‘Do you have an elder brother? ’. I replied in the affirmative. He رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه said, ‘Keep fearing Allah Almighty, treat him well and refrain from breaking ties with him.’ (Shu’ab-ul-Iman, vol. 6, pp. 210, Hadees 7928)