One of Imam al-Baqir’s (peace be upon him) companions, named Abu Ubaidah, narrates:
During a journey, I had the honor of being a traveling companion to Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him). Throughout the journey, I would always mount my riding animal first, and only then would the Imam mount his. (This was the utmost display of respect and consideration.)
Whenever we were both mounted and riding side by side, the Imam would engage with me so warmly and inquire about my well-being as though we had been apart for a long time and were meeting after an extended separation.
I said to him, “O son of the Messenger of Allah! Your manner of treating your companions with such kindness and love is unmatched by anyone else. Indeed, even if others were to act with such warmth only upon their first encounter with their friends, it would be commendable and praiseworthy.”
Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) replied: “Do you not know the great value of shaking hands with fellow believers? Whenever two believers clasp each other’s hands in greeting and friendship, their sins fall away like the leaves of a tree, and they remain under Allah’s mercy until they part ways.”[1]
Beyond this, the Imam emphasized various manifestations of love and kindness towards one’s brothers in faith. He remarked:
“The prayer most likely to be accepted and quickly answered is the prayer made for one’s brother in faith in his absence.”[2]
“A believer is the brother of another believer; he does not insult him, withhold help from him, or think ill of him.”[3]
“Treat a hypocrite with tolerance using your tongue, love a believer sincerely in your heart, and if you find yourself in the company of a Jew, show good manners.”[4]
Finally, the Imam highlighted one of the most significant duties of a believer as being financial support for a brother in faith.[5]
(Adapted from the book “The Political Life of Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him),” by Ahmad Tarabi.)
Footnotes:
[1] Usul al-Kafi, Volume 2, Page 179.
[2] Usul al-Kafi, Volume 2, Page 507, Chapter on Praying for One’s Brother in His Absence.
[3] Tuhaf al-Uqul, Page 296.
[4] Al-Amali by Sheikh Mufid, Page 185.
[5] Kashf al-Ghumma, Volume 2, Page 133.