The Importance of Class Reunion in Islam

Introduction
Class reunions serve as an opportunity to reconnect, strengthen bonds,
and promote shared values. In Islam, maintaining ties with others,
particularly with those who have positively influenced us, aligns with the
principles of fostering brotherhood, unity, and mutual support. Reunions
can be a means to remind ourselves of our shared purpose in life, enhance
relationships for the sake of Allah, and celebrate achievements while
encouraging one another to strive for success in this world and the
Hereafter.
This lecture explores the Islamic perspective on reunions and provides
practical advice to ensure such gatherings adhere to Islamic principles.
Benefits of Reunions in Islam
1. Strengthening Brotherhood and Sisterhood
Allah says:
“The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between
your brothers. And fear Allah that you may receive mercy.”
(Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:10)
The Prophet Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬emphasized the value of brotherhood:
“The believers in their mutual support are like a structure,
parts of which support the others,”
(Al-Bukhari, Hadith 481 and Muslim, Hadith 2585).
Class reunions offer a platform to rekindle bonds, share wisdom, and
offer guidance, embodying the true spirit of Islamic brotherhood and
sisterhood.
2. Fostering Love for the Sake of Allah
A man once visited his brother in another town purely for the sake of
Allah. An angel told him:
“Allah loves you as you love him for His sake.”
(Muslim, Hadith 2567)
Loving and reconnecting with others for Allah’s sake strengthens
relationships and secures Allah’s love and pleasure.
3. Encouraging Good Deeds and Mutual Support
Allah says:
“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not
cooperate in sin and aggression.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:2)
Reunions can inspire us to uphold righteous actions, assist each
other in personal and communal challenges, and motivate one
another to excel.
Guidelines for Conducting Islamic Reunions
To make the most of class reunions and ensure their alignment with
Islamic principles, the following recommendations are essential:
1. Avoid Haram Activities
 The gathering should be free of:
o Haram mixing between men and women.
o Listening to music or watching inappropriate content.
o Activities that lead to zina (fornication or adultery) or
encourage immorality in any form must be strictly avoided.
2. Organize a Structured Program
Include beneficial activities such as:
o Contests and quizzes.
o Recognition of those who have memorized parts of the Qur’an
or achieved milestones.
o Light games with prizes to foster positive engagement.
This ensures that time is spent productively, aligning with the
Hadith:
“The two feet of the son of Adam will not move on the Day of
Resurrection until he is asked about four things: his life and
how he spent it…”
(At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2417).
3. Promote Shar’i Guidance
Include reminders from the Qur’an and Sunnah delivered by a
scholar or a knowledgeable person. If no one among the group is
qualified, invite someone suitable to provide spiritual guidance.
4. Establish Support Systems
Create donation boxes for:
o Supporting reunions.
o Assisting members during life events such as marriages,
childbirth, education, job opportunities or medical needs.
o Setting up a zakah fund for eligible individuals.
These initiatives promote mutual support, as highlighted in the
Hadith:
“The believers are like one body; when any limb aches, the
whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”
(Muslim, Hadith 2586).
5. Avoid Tribalism and Favoritism
The gathering should foster inclusivity and discourage any form of
tribalism or familial bias. The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said:
“He is not of us who calls for tribalism, fights for tribalism, or
dies for tribalism.”
(Abu Dawood, Hadith 5121).
6. Create Opportunities for Children
Select venues with child-friendly spaces, ensuring a safe
environment for children to play and learn. This mirrors the
Prophet’s care for the well-being and development of children.
Qualities of Righteous Companionship
Righteous friends play a vital role in reunions by fostering an environment
of positivity and mutual benefit.
1. Encouraging Righteousness
The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said:
“A person is on the religion of his close friend, so let one of you
look at whom he takes as a close friend.”
(Abu Dawood, Hadith 4833 and At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 2378).
2. Overlooking Faults
Ibn Maazin stated:
“The believer tries to find excuses for his brothers, whereas the
hypocrite seeks out their faults.”
(Aadaab al-‘Ishrah, p. 1-3).
3. Expressing Gratitude and Goodwill
A righteous friend praises and prays for others, as demonstrated by
the Muhajirun and Ansar. When the Muhajirun expressed concern
about the rewards of the Ansar, the Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬said:
“Not so long as you praise them and pray to Allah for them.”
(Abu Dawood, Hadith 4812).
4. Sincerity and Support
A righteous friend’s heart is free of envy, and they offer sincere
advice. Allah says:
“Or do they envy people for what Allah has given them of His
bounty?”
(Surah An-Nisa, 4:54).
5. Generosity and Cheerfulness
Abu ‘Abd ar-Rahmaan as-Sulami said:
“Maintain good relationships with your brothers by being
cheerful, generous, and speaking well of them.”
(Aadaab as-Suhbah, p. 120).
Conclusion
Class reunions, when organized in accordance with Islamic principles,
become an invaluable means to reconnect, inspire, and unite. They offer
an opportunity to build bridges of faith and friendship, encouraging
mutual support and collective growth. By adhering to the Qur’an and
Sunnah, these gatherings can transform into acts of worship that bring
about blessings in this world and immense rewards in the Hereafter.

May Allah guide us in creating gatherings that uphold His pleasure and
strengthen our bonds as believers