Severing relations with someone who did not lend support

Question

What is the ruling (fatwa) concerning a Muslim who does not help another Muslim but simply stands by and watches like a spectator? We made a pledge that any Muslim who did not help us would not be included in the biradari (a kinship or caste community), because they did not help us in the wrongful and false lawsuit brought against us. For this reason we decided to sever relations. During this period a girl (daughter) of theirs died, and we did not attend her funeral prayer (janaza)

Answer

In a matter of this kind, which concerns the common good, everyone ought to lend support; these people keeping apart and not lending support is a very bad thing. If, however, they keep apart so as not to take part in something impermissible, then that is fine.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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