repeat them. Yet this ḥadith contains an additional injunction not mentioned earlier, namely, “supporting the oppressed.”

The sixth right a Muslim owes his fellow Muslim is to support the oppressed—that is, to remove the injustice done to him, whether the wrong concerns his wealth, his honor, or his very person. A Muslim is therefore obliged to aid his brother. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Support your brother, whether he is an oppressor or oppressed.” They asked, “Messenger of Allah, we understand supporting the oppressed—but how do we support the oppressor?” He replied, “You prevent him from committing oppression; that is your support for him.” The oppressor has been overpowered by his own self until he wrongs others; you help him against his own self by stopping him from the injustice.

So, if you see someone mistreating his neighbor—harming him and showing him no regard—it is your duty to support both parties: the oppressor and the oppressed. You go to the offending neighbor who has neglected his neighbor’s rights, counsel him, and explain the sin and punishment that await those who mistreat their neighbors, as well as the virtue and reward of good neighborliness. You repeat this advice until Allah guides him and he desists. You also stand with the oppressed neighbor and say, “I will advise your neighbor and speak with him. If Allah guides him, that is what we seek. If he does not, inform me, and you and I will go together before the judge or the authority to work jointly to remove this man’s injustice.”

Likewise, if you discover someone denying his brother a rightful claim—knowing full well that the claim is due—you must approach that wrongdoer who has withheld his brother’s right