Mairo
Maryama
It is narrated by Abu Shurayh (R.A.) that the Prophet (S.A.W.) said
"Whoever believes in Allah and the final day (Day of Judgment) it is essential that he does not harm his neighbors and whoever believes in Allah and the final Day it is essential for him to entertain his guest with kindness and generosity and whoever believes in Allah and the Final Day it is essential that he speak what is good or otherwise remain silent."
Amongst other points this Hadith explains that it is essential for the true believer to be mindful of his neighbors at all times so that he does not harm him in any way. It also gives us an idea of the value placed on the rights of neighbors by the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH).
In another Hadith related by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) the Prophet (PBUH) said,
"By Allah, he is not a true believer, By Allah, he is not a true believer, By Allah, he is not a true believer (three times). He was asked 'Who?" Upon which he replied, "The one whose neighbors do not feel secure from his mischief and evil.
In yet another Hadith, related by Anas (R.A.), the Prophet (PBUH) said
"He has not affirmed faith in me (i.e. he is not a true follower) who eats to his satisfaction and sleeps comfortably at night while his neighbor goes hungry - and he is aware of it."
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described a good neighbor as one of the joys in a Muslim’s life, he said, “Among the things that bring happiness to a believer in this life are a righteous neighbor, a spacious house and a good steed”. A good neighbor is one who guarantees comfort, security and safety. For this reason it is important that one who believes in obeying God does not spare any effort in being considerate of and generous to the neighbors. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned his companions against harming or upsetting neighbors.
In a saying that is as true today as it was 1400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad was asked about a certain woman who prayed and fasted more than was obligatory upon her, and gave generously in charity, but unfortunately, she did not refrain from speaking harshly to her neighbors. He described her as being one of the people of Hell who would be punished for this. In the same saying, he was asked about another woman who fulfilled only her obligatory duties and gave very little in charity, however her neighbors were safe from her harsh tongue and she offended no one. Prophet Muhammad described her as among the people of Paradise. The religion of Islam places great emphasis on the solidarity of families, neighborhoods and the wider community. Being a good neighbor is part of being a Muslim. In many cities today, people don't even know who lives next door - Islam requires them to.
Contrary to popular belief, as a rule Muslims do not hate Christians and Jews. As a matter-of-fact, Muslims have the responsibility toward their non-Muslim neighbors as they do toward those who share the same faith.
Qur'anic Injunction Regarding Neighbors
In the Quran (Surat El-Nissa 4:36) it says: "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 (ye meet) and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious."
It is important to note that this injunction does not single out Muslims only as targets for good deeds and compassion. Neighbors are mentioned twice in this verse (Ayah): once referring to the neighbors who physically reside close on all sides and the other referring to neighbors on a larger, more global scale (as we all share this Earth together).
Rights of Neighbors
There is a hadith (saying) of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, which goes as follows.
"Do you know what the rights of neighbors are?" asked the noble Prophet. And he went on to give a list:
• Help him if he asks for your help
• Give him relief if he seeks your relief
• Lend him if he needs a loan
• Show him concern if he is distressed
• Nurse him when he is ill
• Attend his funeral when he dies
• Congratulate him if he meets any good
• Sympathize with him if any calamity befalls him
• Do not block his air by raising your building high without his permission
• Harass him not
• Give him a share when you buy fruits, and if you do not give him, bring what you buy quietly and let not your children take them out to excite the jealousy of his children."
The Poor Person is also Bound by the Injunction
Anyone is capable of giving something - even the poor. Even a smile is a charity and a comfort. Moral support and a listening ear can go a long way in bettering someone's day. Tangible efforts are also possible, such as helping someone with yard-work or housework when he or she is ill or watching someone's house when they are away.
Prophet Muhammad and One of his Jewish Neighbors
One story related about the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, speaks about a Jewish neighbor that used to try to irritate him by throwing garbage in his way every day. One day, he walked out of his home to find no garbage. He immediately went to the woman's house and inquired about her to find that she was ill and he offered his assistance. She was so moved and at the same time ashamed of her actions at his concern after all she had done to him. This is a prime example of being a good neighbor.
References:
AbdulWahid Hamid,(2004)Islam the Natural Way. UK: Muslim Education and Literary Services.
Abdallah Yusuf Ali, (1999) The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an. (10th Edition) Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications
http://www.onislam.net/english/read...here/449908-consideration-for-neighbours.html
"Whoever believes in Allah and the final day (Day of Judgment) it is essential that he does not harm his neighbors and whoever believes in Allah and the final Day it is essential for him to entertain his guest with kindness and generosity and whoever believes in Allah and the Final Day it is essential that he speak what is good or otherwise remain silent."
Amongst other points this Hadith explains that it is essential for the true believer to be mindful of his neighbors at all times so that he does not harm him in any way. It also gives us an idea of the value placed on the rights of neighbors by the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH).
In another Hadith related by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) the Prophet (PBUH) said,
"By Allah, he is not a true believer, By Allah, he is not a true believer, By Allah, he is not a true believer (three times). He was asked 'Who?" Upon which he replied, "The one whose neighbors do not feel secure from his mischief and evil.
In yet another Hadith, related by Anas (R.A.), the Prophet (PBUH) said
"He has not affirmed faith in me (i.e. he is not a true follower) who eats to his satisfaction and sleeps comfortably at night while his neighbor goes hungry - and he is aware of it."
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) described a good neighbor as one of the joys in a Muslim’s life, he said, “Among the things that bring happiness to a believer in this life are a righteous neighbor, a spacious house and a good steed”. A good neighbor is one who guarantees comfort, security and safety. For this reason it is important that one who believes in obeying God does not spare any effort in being considerate of and generous to the neighbors. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned his companions against harming or upsetting neighbors.
In a saying that is as true today as it was 1400 years ago, Prophet Muhammad was asked about a certain woman who prayed and fasted more than was obligatory upon her, and gave generously in charity, but unfortunately, she did not refrain from speaking harshly to her neighbors. He described her as being one of the people of Hell who would be punished for this. In the same saying, he was asked about another woman who fulfilled only her obligatory duties and gave very little in charity, however her neighbors were safe from her harsh tongue and she offended no one. Prophet Muhammad described her as among the people of Paradise. The religion of Islam places great emphasis on the solidarity of families, neighborhoods and the wider community. Being a good neighbor is part of being a Muslim. In many cities today, people don't even know who lives next door - Islam requires them to.
Contrary to popular belief, as a rule Muslims do not hate Christians and Jews. As a matter-of-fact, Muslims have the responsibility toward their non-Muslim neighbors as they do toward those who share the same faith.
Qur'anic Injunction Regarding Neighbors
In the Quran (Surat El-Nissa 4:36) it says: "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 (ye meet) and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious."
It is important to note that this injunction does not single out Muslims only as targets for good deeds and compassion. Neighbors are mentioned twice in this verse (Ayah): once referring to the neighbors who physically reside close on all sides and the other referring to neighbors on a larger, more global scale (as we all share this Earth together).
Rights of Neighbors
There is a hadith (saying) of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, which goes as follows.
"Do you know what the rights of neighbors are?" asked the noble Prophet. And he went on to give a list:
• Help him if he asks for your help
• Give him relief if he seeks your relief
• Lend him if he needs a loan
• Show him concern if he is distressed
• Nurse him when he is ill
• Attend his funeral when he dies
• Congratulate him if he meets any good
• Sympathize with him if any calamity befalls him
• Do not block his air by raising your building high without his permission
• Harass him not
• Give him a share when you buy fruits, and if you do not give him, bring what you buy quietly and let not your children take them out to excite the jealousy of his children."
The Poor Person is also Bound by the Injunction
Anyone is capable of giving something - even the poor. Even a smile is a charity and a comfort. Moral support and a listening ear can go a long way in bettering someone's day. Tangible efforts are also possible, such as helping someone with yard-work or housework when he or she is ill or watching someone's house when they are away.
Prophet Muhammad and One of his Jewish Neighbors
One story related about the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, speaks about a Jewish neighbor that used to try to irritate him by throwing garbage in his way every day. One day, he walked out of his home to find no garbage. He immediately went to the woman's house and inquired about her to find that she was ill and he offered his assistance. She was so moved and at the same time ashamed of her actions at his concern after all she had done to him. This is a prime example of being a good neighbor.
References:
AbdulWahid Hamid,(2004)Islam the Natural Way. UK: Muslim Education and Literary Services.
Abdallah Yusuf Ali, (1999) The Meaning of the Holy Qur'an. (10th Edition) Beltsville, MD: Amana Publications
http://www.onislam.net/english/read...here/449908-consideration-for-neighbours.html