Islam and Neighborhood | According to Quran and Hadith
Being a Muslim we believe that all humankind is descended from Adam and Eve so we all are brothers and sisters. No one is superior to other except “Taqwa “piety or God fearing. We all depend on each other in this world to make a society. It enjoins that neighbors should establish social relations in which one can depend upon the other and regarding his life, honor and property safe among his neighbors. Islam teaches us the correct way to live our lives as it is a complete code of life. The Divine book Holy Quran has different chapters each one of them describes different aspects of life. Besides many other topics, the subject of rights of neighbors also mentioned in Holy Quran. Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran in these words: “Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good – to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the Companion by your side, the wayfarer [you meet], and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious” (Quran 4:36)
Islam greatly emphasis on our individual duty towards neighbors. Our beloved Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said: “Angel Jibril advised me continuously to take care of the neighbor till I thought that Allah is to make him an inheritor.” Muslim must be good to his neighbors, no matter their religion. Holy Prophet (SAW) taught us that a “Neighbor” is not just the one next door but includes all those up to forty houses in all directions is definitely a whole neighborhood.
A Muslim should not eat if his neighbor is going hungry. It means that Muslims should wish for their neighbors what they wish for themselves. Means share their happiness and sorrow. Further, not to spy on them and respect their privacy. Do not gossip about them, not harm them in any way. Regarding the high status of rights of neighbors our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of His hadith: “One who believes in Allah (the Glorified and the Exalted) and the Day of Judgment must not cause hardship and inconvenience to his neighbor; and he who believes in Allah (the Glorified and the Exalted) and the Day of Judgment must respect his guest; and he who believes in Allah (the Glorified and the Exalted) and the Day of Judgment must speak well or keep quiet”. (Bukhari)
Religion Islam desires all neighbors to be loving and cooperative with one another. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the last day should do well to his neighbor” (Muslim). Some of the primary rights of neighbors are mentioned below that we all should know about:
- Must help your neighbor if he/she asks for it
- Give him/her relief if ask for your relief
- Share meal with your neighbor
- Give presents to your neighbors
- Being good to them in all respects
- Ensure the safety of your neighbors
- Do not harass your neighbor
- Must attend your neighbor’s funeral when he dies
- Congratulate him if he receives a good fortune
- Lend your neighbor a loan if he needs it
- Must visit your neighbor if he is ill
- Behave politely in attitude and speech with your neighbors
In short, do your best to your neighbors, help them and be kind to them. If we have neighboring non-Muslims, still respect them only as neighbors, as has been taught by the Holy Prophet (SAW). May Allah facilitate us to realize the rights of neighbors in the light of Quran and hadith! Ameen
