The Rules For Congratulating A Brother Muslim

(Excerpted from Futuwat namah by Khwaja Husayn Wa’iz Kashifi Sabzawari An Naqshbandi Translated by M. Nur Abdussalam)

As for congratulating a brother Muslim on felicitous occasions such as the birth of a child or the return of a loved one from a journey, etc., this increases the delight of that Muslim and for this reason earns a recompense from God.

If asked: How many are the rules of congratulation? Say: Six.

1.      One must display much joy.
2.      One should not frown or appear bored.
3.      One should say: [mubarakbad]! (Good wishes!)
4.      One should offer a prayer appropriate to the occasion. For example, if it is the birth of a son, one should pray for his long life and prosperity. If it is a wedding, one should pray for good fortune and blessings. If someone has returned from a journey, one should pray for health and safety; and the rest are of this pattern.
5.      One should not linger, but depart promptly unless the householder insists upon your staying.
6.      One should bring gifts for blessedness, as one is able and not stingy.