The Rights Of Neighbours

Allah Ta'ala informed us that neighbours are an important part of society. Without having good neighbours, people can have a difficult and miserable life. Accordingly, Allah Taa'la Commanded us to look after our neighbours, to care for them, to keep good relationships with them and to ensure that we have good neighbours. In taking care of our neighbours, Allah Taa'la associated them with the categories of parents, relatives, orphans, poor and needy. In Surah An-Nisa, Allah Taa'la says:

“Serve God, and join not any partners with Him, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companions by your side, the way-farer and what your right hand possesses: for God loveth not the arrogant, the vain glorious. ( 4:36 )

In this verse, Allah Taa'la categorised for us three types of neighbours that we should take care of. They are:

1) A relative neighbour

2) A strong fellow neighbour

3) A friend neighbour

All of these neighbours, be they Muslim or non-Muslim, are to be taken care of in the best form and in the best manner

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: RASOOL ULALLAH SALALLAHU WALAYHY WASALAM said, "By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer.'' It was asked, "Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?'' He said, "One whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration of Muslim is: Messenger of Allah RASOOL ULALLAH SALALLAHU WALAYHY WASALAM said, "He will not enter Jannah whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct".

Commentary: This Hadith reveals that hurting or troubling a neighbour is such a serious offence that it causes Allah's Wrath, and thus punishment in Hell.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah RASOOL ULALLAH SALALLAHU WALAYHY WASALAM) said, "O Muslim women! No one of you should consider insignificant (a gift) to give to her neighbour even if it is (a gift of) the trotters(feet) of a sheep".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith means that neighbours should present gifts to each other. The rich men and the poor according to their means. One who is poor should not think that what he is presenting to his neighbour is not worthy of giving. Even his humble gift, provided it is presented with sincerity, will find acceptance with Allah. According to the Noble Qur'an: "So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an ant (or a small ant) shall see it.'' (99:7)

309. Abu Shuraih Al-Khuza`i (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: RASOOL ULALLAH SALALLAHU WALAYHY WASALAM) said, "He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be kind to his neighbour; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him show hospitality to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him either speak good or remain silent".
[Muslim].

310. Hazrat BiBI Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I said, "O Messenger of Allah RASOOL ULALLAH SALALLAHU WALAYHY WASALAM, I have two neighbours, to which of them should I send a present?'' He (PBUH) replied, "To the one whose door is nearer to you".
[Al-Bukhari]

Commentary: When a Muslim does not have the means to present gifts to his neighbours and wants to present a gift only to one of them, he should go by the principle laid down in this Hadith. The principle enunciated here is: "One who is the nearest neighbour, should have precedence over all others.''

Nevertheless, these traditions and teachings explain clearly the importance of good and kind treatment to neighbors and they are a clear admonition to those who remain indifferent to the needs and difficulties of their neighbors and care nothing for them.