17 Rights of a Younger Brother in Islam – Obligations

Family is one of the greatest gift in Islam. Loving parents and siblings are our strongest shield in the world, as they will stand up for us whatever may happen. Every family member has their own right, and each one of the right should be respected by others. This is the secret to maintain the kinship between family. As the Prophet (SAW) said,

“The person who perfectly maintains the ties of kinship is not the one who does it because he gets recompensed by his relatives (for being kind and good to them), but the one who truly maintains the bonds of kinship is the one who persists in doing so even though the latter has severed the ties of kinship with him“. – Bukhari

Now we will talk about the rights of a younger brother in Islam. As we know, each child has their own rights and obligations according to the sequence of birth. Just like how the elder sibling should love and care to the younger, here are the rights of a younger brother in Islam to know.

1. To be Loved Dearly

Every younger brother surely deserves the love and care from his elder sibling. There are many forms of loving and caring such as making him the first priority and treat them with full of affection.

“Whoever would like his lifespan to be extended and his provision to be increased, let him uphold the ties of kinship.” – Bukhari & Muslim

2. Having the Elder Sibling As Guardian

Father is the official guardian for all children. But there will be time where the father is not around and elder sibling should take the role of the father. At this time, the younger brother has his elder brother as his guardian. So when he’s about to get out of the house he should be asking for his brother’s permission, as well as the other things that usually involves the father’s role. This also applied when the father is passed away.

Also read: Rights of Stepfather in Islam

3. To be Instructed by Elder Sibling

An elder sibling may instruct his younger brother to do things such as helping with the house chores and prevent him from doing something wrong. As elder sibling has not bad intention to him, the younger sibling should follow the instruction well.

4. Receive Kindness from the Elders

Elder sibling should always treat the younger ones with kindness, loving and care. It’s the best way to tightens the bond between sibling and to create a happy family in Islam. If two brothers treat each other well, the love in the family will be going stronger.

Also read: Rights of Elders in Islam

5. Not to be Harmed by Any Means

Becoming younger sibling doesn’t mean that the elder sibling could treat him in an unpleasant and abusive way. He should not be harmed by any means, through words or action. Younger brother should never be hit physically no matter what he did, nor to be talked by harsh words. He should be loved dearly.

6. To be Supported by Elder Siblings

In reaching his goals or achieving something, the younger brother has the right to receive support from his older sibling. It’s how he will be more motivated and can do better. When he’s achieving something, the whole family will be proud, not only himself.

Also read: Rights of Workers in Islam

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7. To be Protected from the Enemy

Another rights of the younger sibling that should be fulfill is to be protected from the enemies. Since he could be weak and powerless, it’s the obligations for the elder sibling to protect them by any means.

8. To be Guided on the Path of Allah

If a family want to be together again in Jannah, then they should guide each other in the path of Allah SWT. Since Allah SWT will bless two brothers that walk together on His path. The Prophet (SAW), said that,

“Two believing brothers are like two hands each washing the other.”

Also read: Fathers Rights in Islam After Divorce

9. To be Forgiven from Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, especially a clueless younger brother that is not so experienced in this life. So he should be forgiven for his mistakes.

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

“The Believers are but a single Brotherhood: So make peace and reconciliation between your two (contending) brothers; and fear God, that ye may receive Mercy.” – Al Hujurat (49:10)

10. Taking the Advice from Elder Sibling

As the elder sibling has through more things in life, he should be taking advice for his older brother and asking for it as well.

Also read: Rights of Orphans in Islam

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The Obligations of a Younger Brother

Other than all of the rights that should be fulfilled above, younger brother also has several obligations to his elder siblings to follow. All the obligations are listed as below:

1. Respecting the elder sibling in any situation. The way to respect them is by speaking politely, not snapping back or using the harsh words and high tone while talking to them.
2. The younger brother must accept that he is disciplined by the elder brother. Whenever he is making mistakes or not doing something right, the elder brother may discipline them in the Islamic ways and for the goodness of the younger brother.
3. As a younger brother, one should co-operate with the elder sibling. Even the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Co-operate and do not disagree.”
4. A younger brother must be following the steps of his elder brother. As long as it’s good and not violating the rules of Islam.
5. A younger brother should help his elder siblings in need.
6. A younger brother must obeying the words of the elder sibling, as long as it’s not violating the Sharia law.
7. Siblings must love and core of each other, so does a younger sibling to the elder.

So those are all the rights of a younger brother in Islam along with his obligation. Let’s all loving and caring towards our younger brother.