13 Aug 08 Islam-Rights towards Neighbours
”Rights towards Neighbours
The Quraan has enjoined a comprehensive duty of doing good to the neighbours, both near and strangers. It says: �Serve Allah, and join not equals with Him; and do good � to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and what your right hands possess: for Allah loves not the arrogant, the vainglorious�� (4: 36)
In respect of this duty, the Messenger of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has given the following stern warning: �None of you will be (counted) a Believer unless he loves for his neighbour what he loves for himself.� [3]
A Hadith says: �The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: �Jibra�eel (alaihis salaam) briefed me over my rights towards the neighbours, till I thought he would soon make a neighbour to inherit his neighbour��. [4]
Once, the Holy Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was making ablution. The Companions rushed to secure the water and applied that water on their faces. The Blessed Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: �Why are you doing this?� They said: �We are doing this in our love and affection towards the Beloved Prophet of Allah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)�. The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: �He who likes to love Allah and His Apostle (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) or to be loved by Allah and His Messenger (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), should always speak the truth and if he is made the custodian of something, he should be worthy of an honest custodian and he should behave with his neighbours in kindness�.
The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) also said: �He is not a believer who eats his fill when his neighbour beside him is hungry�. [5]
The Holy Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) also said: �He, whose neighbours are not safe from his injurious conduct, will not be counted as a Believer.�
The following are some duties towards the neighbours:
Always take care of your neighbour. Look out for his requirements and fulfil them.
There should always be an exchange of gifts and presents among the neighbours. A Hadith says: �If you cook some curry, put more water into it to increase its quantity so that you may cater to your neighbours and help them.� [6]”
