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The
Rights of Neighbors
A neighbor is a relatively close individual, at least in
location. A neighbor enjoys tremendous rights in Islam. Islam
places neighbors into three categories:
1. A neighbor who
enjoys three rights:
a. The rights of a neighbor,
b. The rights of a relative, if he/she is related,
c. The rights of Islam, if that person is a Muslim, brethren in
faith and belief.
2. A neighbor who enjoys two rights:
a. The rights of a neighbor,
b. The rights of Islam, if that person is a Muslim, a brethren
in faith and belief.
3. A neighbor who enjoys one right:
a. The rights of a neighbor.
All neighbors fall under one of these three categories. In
fact, Allah, the Almighty stated in the Glorious Qur'an:
"Serve God, 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 (ye meet), and what your
right hands possess…" (Qur'an 4: 36)
Moreover, Allah's Apostle [SAWS], says: "(Arch Angel) Gabriel
[SAWS], pressed on reminding me with the right of the neighbor
until I thought that he is going to consider him an heir (of
mine)." (Bukhari and Muslim.)
A neighbor is entitled to best treatment and respect from his
own neighbor regardless of the cost of such items. Allah's
Apostle [SAWS], stated in another Hadith (saying): "The best of
neighbors in the sight of Allah, the Almighty, is the one who
is best to his neighbor."( Tirmithi.)
Let us examine other Hadiths: "He who believes in Allah's
Apostle [SAWS], and the Final Day of Judgement must be good to
his neighbor." This Hadith is reported by Muslim. Of course,
this Hadith is self-explanatory as it ties in good faith and
strong belief with the state of being good to one's own
neighbors. This is an act of high consideration to the social
ties in society as the neighborhood represents an essential
nucleus or part of the society at large.
Islam does not neglect such important rights of the immediate
neighbors who, at times, become closer than relatives or the
distant family members. One may see his neighbor more than he
sees his own family members. In terms of pressing needs and
things that require prompt attention and immediate help,
assistance or solutions, a distant relative or a far away
family member would be helpless and may be useless.
A neighbor who is close and comes immediately to the rescue of
his needy neighbor would be of tremendous help and value. This
is one of the reasons why Islam capitalizes on the ties and
relationship of neighbors.
Allah's Apostle [SAWS], said: "If you make soup, increase the
broth, and pass a bowl to your neighbor."( Muslim.) This Hadith
shows the importance of good relations with our neighbors, and
at the same time strengthen ties and relations with neighbors.
A little occasional gift, a small symbolic present on various
occasions will also strengthen ties and relationship between
neighbors. Islam urges believers to be kind, generous and good
to their own neighbors.
One of the essential rights of a neighbor is to cause no
physical, mental or spiritual harm to him. Allah's Apostle
[SAWS], said: "By Allah, one will not become a full believer,
By Allah, one will not become a full believer, By Allah, one
will not become a full believer!" The companions, said: "Who is
that, O Prophet of Allah?!" He [SAWS], said: "He whose neighbor
cannot feel safe of his ill deeds and bad actions." ( Muslim.)
This Hadith reflects the importance of being good, kind, nice
and caring for your neighbors at large. Such an act enables man
to assure himself of being on the right track for paradise,
otherwise, one will be subjecting his soul to torture in
Hellfire.
It is very unfortunate to notice nowadays that many neighbors
do not really care for the welfare and the well being of their
neighbors neither physically nor mentally nor spiritually. They
may be at constant fight, harassment, disturbance and nag to
them. They might step on their own natural rights as humans and
society members. They might neglect them, bother them and not
offer them the least human courtesy.
Islam urges its followers to maintain such an essential right
of a neighbor, encourages and maintain it, reward it, threatens
with a severe punishment for trespassing and makes it a viable,
vital and extremely important right.
The best social system on the Earth, the most exhaustive and
comprehensive rules and regulations and the most strict
political system cannot reach the level of Islam in this regard
for the most simple fact that Islam is set forth for the human
society at large by the Creator of all mankind, Who knows best
what benefits man or harms him. That is the law of innate
nature that Allah, the Almighty, created man for.
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