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Not Talking to Muslim brother for more than 3 days

Islam has instructed human at many places and many times that brotherhood is extremely important. Since it is clear from the real life example of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) that how gently he (P.B.U.H) used to treat his friends, family, other people around, and even he used to treat non-Muslims in a gentle and kind way. However, on the other hand our beloved Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) has also mentioned following words:

As Hazrat Abu Ayub (R.A) has reported that Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said:

“It is not permissible for a Muslim to have estranged relations with his brother beyond three nights, the one turning one way and the other turning the other way when they meet; the better of the two is one who is the first to give a greeting” [Sahih Muslim, Book 32, Number 6210].

Hazrat Aisha (R.A) has narrated that:

“A Muslim may not boycott another Muslim for more than three days. Then, if he meets him, greets him with peace three times, and he receives no response, the sin falls back on the one still boycotting” [Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4913].

This hadith is especially relevant if the believer is a relative, like a brother, sister, nephew, aunt, uncle or cousin, because in such scenarios forsaking is an even worse sin.

In what situations Muslim can abandon his fellow Muslim?

As stated above, it is forbidden for a Muslim to abandon his Muslim brother for more than three days until there is a solid reason, including when the abandoned individual proudly and openly commits crimes or religious innovations or consistently damages others.

He bears no sin if he abandons him for a Sharee'ah-acceptable reason. Al-Haafith Abu ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd Al-Barr narrated:

"Scholars reached a scholarly consensus that it is allowable to forsake one's fellow Muslim more than three days if maintaining relations with him entails undermining the person's religiosity or causes harm to him or his worldly affairs. It is permissible for him to forsake the one of whom he fears that talking and keeping ties with him will undermine his religiosity or harm him in his worldly life. There is no doubt that a good-intentioned distance is often better than a harmful interaction" [At-Tamheed].

What Quran and Hadith say about Brotherhood?

In Islamic teaching, brotherhood is a broader idea based on good conduct with each other, respecting others around the way we like to be loved and respected, and connecting around shared values. It is classified into three levels: religion, family, and humanity. All of these levels have a set of roles and responsibilities that a Muslim should uphold in his or her interactions with others.

Allah says in Book of Knowledge “Holy Quran” in verse number 10:

“The believers are but one brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers. And be mindful of Allah so you may be shown mercy” [49: 10].

Allah has United Muslims and He wants Muslims to stay united:

There were pre-Islamic times when people used to fight with each other and they used to live like enemies. Then Allah Almighty (who is most merciful) has sent His messengers and prophets to advised people about the power and importance of unity and brotherhood. Allah is mentioning this statement in His book in the following verse:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah1 and do not be divided. Remember Allah’s favour upon you when you were enemies, then He united your hearts, so you—by His grace—became brothers. And you were at the brink of a fiery pit and He saved you from it. This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to you, so that you may be ˹rightly˺ guided” [3: 103].

What is the importance of brotherhood?

Islam is the religion of kindness, peace, and respect. Islam imparts the lesson of brotherhood among people, often known as the Muslim Brotherhood. This entire globe is a brotherhood of Allah's chosen people. The Muslim Brotherhood is very important in the Quran and Sunnah because our beloved Prophet (SAW) preached and implemented the Muslim Brotherhood teachings. On the basis of faith, Islam creates brotherhood.

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) has said:

“If a person loves his brother, he should inform him of this fact” [Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi].

Islam encourages empathy and so we should also pray for other Muslim Brothers:

The degree of brotherhood entails purging the heart of all hostility, anger, and grudge towards people who have faith, such as the virtuous forefathers of Islam, those who believed in the past prophets, as well as the broad masses of believers across history.

Allah and His prophet (P.B.U.H) have encouraged Muslims to stay united and live with peace and unity. Muslims should feel empathy towards other fellows. Muslims should also pray for other Muslim brothers when they pray for their own selves.

Allah says in Surah Al-Hashr, verse 10:

“And those who come after them will pray, ‘Our Lord! Forgive us and our fellow believers who preceded us in faith, and do not allow bitterness into our hearts towards those who believe. Our Lord! Indeed, You are Ever Gracious, Most Merciful’” [59: 10].

All of the above verses and hadiths state that Muslims should leave their egos behind and forgive each other’s’ mistakes. Peace lies in brotherhood and unity, and since Islam is the religion of Peace, thus this is why Islam has teachings based on peace.