How The Neighbors Should Be Treated In Islam

At the outset why not add some small chunks to better understand the term “Neighbor” according to some different perspectives? 

• According to Muslim scholars, a neighbor is who lives within 40 houses in each direction of someone.
• Linguistically a neighbor is one who lives next to your home.
• One who dwells nearby, one who borders on the others home.
• And as per Abu Yousuf companion of imam Abu Hanifa, The quarter of a city or town can be termed as neighbors. Let us now move towards Kitab e Hidayat, the Master key Quran.

What does the Quran say about Neighbors? As it is mentioned in Surah an-Nisa,

“Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess. Verily, Allah does not like such as are proud and boastful” (Surah an-Nisa’ 4:36).

It is a known fact that before Islam the world was, as termed in the holy book Quran “Jahiliya”. The humanity was at the brim of degeneration and its survival being the representatives of God was on stake. Humanity has ignored the teachings of prophets passed before the Prophet of Islam. Disbelief, darkness, ignorance, adultery, bloodshed, gambling was at its peak.

This was the time when Allah SWT bestowed humanity Islam and sent the most inspirational man of all times, the world knew him with the name Prophet of Islam Muhammad SAW. Not a single human value was in order, let it be the faith, rituals, deeds or their social relationships. All were in their worst condition. 

Prophet of Islam was the institution that taught them the meanings of humanity, the core values that can be termed as human rights, etiquette, decency and all that is known in our current time the finest human behaviors.

Along with so many things, the prophet SAW emphasized the need for good relationships in society. The neighborhood was given much importance in that regard. As it is very clear from the sayings of prophet Muhammad SAW, as it is mentioned in 

Al-Bukhaari (5185) and Muslim (47) narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not annoy his neighbor.”

Al-Bukhaari (6015) and Muslim (2625) narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Jibreel kept urging me that neighbors should be treated well until I thought he would make them heirs.”

Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded me thus, “O Abu Dharr! Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and give some of it to your neighbors”.
[Muslim].

In another narration of Muslim, narrated Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him): My friend, (Messenger of Allah (PBUH)) advised me saying, “Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and give some to your neighbors and then give them out of this with courtesy.”

There are so many guidelines described in the Quran and religious scriptures that enhances the importance of good relationships with the neighbors. So briefly we can sum up the rights of the neighbors in the following lines, which also shows how much importance is being given in Islam to the topic such as this, as it is the basic part of a good and stable society.

It is emphasized that one should grieve one’s neighbor is he is into some sort of calamity. If he commits something so it is said that being neighbors one should not disclose other one’s sins as it is clearly mentioned in Sahih Muslim, that, “Whoever conceals the fault of a Muslim Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection”

It is also recommended that give your neighbor loan if he is facing economic problems and needs money, and do not harass him and it is also emphasized not to raise one’s walls without the permission of the neighbor as it may hinder the air passage of the other. 

By looking at these mentioned lines and reading deeply we can say Islam put too much emphasis on the importance of behaving nicely with the neighbors. This very thing may enhance the interpersonal relationships of humans around the globe and the world can become a better place to live in. 

I would close the discussion with the beautiful saying of Prophet Muhammad SAW, “He is not a true believer who eats his fill while his neighbor is hungry” (Bayhaqi). And the beautiful line by Imam Ali RA, He said, Your duty towards your neighbor is to aid him in times of difficulty, to offer him sincere advice, and to protect him and his property in his absence.

May Allah guide us in the path that is of the righteous and the path which is of His beloved ones. Aameen.