In Islam, the ‘Rights of Neighbors‘ hold a special place, transcending mere geographical proximity and representing a sacred bond of social and moral significance. These rights, integral to the fabric of Islamic teachings, emphasize the importance of being kind and considerate towards neighbors, a commandment from Allah عَزَّ وَجَلَّ and strongly endorsed by Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ. In a world where real-life interactions are often replaced by digital connections, understanding and implementing the ‘Rights of Neighbors in Islam’ becomes even more crucial.
The Quranic Emphasis on Neighborly Rights
Allah عَزَّ وَجَلَّ emphasizes the importance of neighborly rights in the Holy Quran:
وَ اعْبُدُوا اللّٰهَ وَ لَا تُشْرِكُوْا بِهٖ شَیْــٴًـا وَّ بِالْوَالِدَیْنِ اِحْسَانًا وَّ بِذِی الْقُرْبٰى وَ الْیَتٰمٰى وَ الْمَسٰكِیْنِ وَ الْجَارِ ذِی الْقُرْبٰى وَ الْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَ الصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنْۢبِ وَ ابْنِ السَّبِیْلِۙ-وَ مَا مَلَكَتْ اَیْمَانُكُمْؕ-اِنَّ اللّٰهَ لَا یُحِبُّ مَنْ كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُوْرَاۙﰳ (۳۶)
(Translation from Kanz-ul-Iman): “And worship Allah and associate none with Him, and be good to parents, and to relatives, and to orphans, and to the needy, and to the near neighbor and to the distant neighbor, and to the close companion and to the traveler; and to your male and female slaves; indeed, Allah does not like the arrogant, the boastful.” (Holy Quran, 36)
This verse underscores the importance of treating neighbors with kindness and compassion, alongside the reverence for parents and care for the less fortunate, highlighting the holistic approach of Islam towards social responsibilities.
Prophetic Guidance on Neighborly Conduct
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ further reinforce the significance of neighborly rights in Islam:
- Abu Huraira رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ narrates: “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should either utter good words or better keep silence; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should treat his neighbor with kindness and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to his guest.”
- Abu Huraira رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ also reported: “A person whose neighbors are not safe from his evil will not enter the Garden.” (Kanz-ul-’Ummal, vol. 5, pp. 23, Juz: 9, Hadees 24894)
- Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As رضی اللہ عنہما reported: “The best of neighbors in the sight of Allah is the best among them towards his neighbor.” (Shu’ab-ul-Iman, vol. 7, pp. 83-84, Hadees 9560)
These Hadiths highlight that good treatment of neighbors is not just a social etiquette but an integral part of a Muslim’s faith and a pathway to Allah’s pleasure.
Comprehensive Rights of Neighbors
Imam Muhammad Ghazali علیہ الرحمہ in Ihya-ul-‘Uloom (vol. 2, pp. 772) elaborates on the comprehensive rights of neighbors, providing a practical guide for Muslims:
- Initiating the greeting of Salam.
- Engaging in brief, polite conversation without prying.
- Inquiring after their health during illness.
- Assisting them in times of difficulty.
- Sharing in their moments of joy and sorrow.
- Forgiving their mistakes and overlooking minor annoyances.
- Respecting their privacy and not intruding upon their personal space.
- Avoiding any actions that could cause them discomfort, such as loud noises or blocking shared pathways.
- Providing help in emergencies or accidents.
- Protecting their property in their absence.
- Refraining from gossip or listening to anything negative about them.
- Lowering the gaze and respecting the privacy of their family members.
- Speaking kindly to their children and treating them with respect.
- Offering guidance in worldly and religious matters when sought.
These rights reflect the depth and breadth of social responsibility in Islam, emphasizing not just coexistence but active support and care for neighbors.
Conclusion
The rights of neighbors in Islam, as outlined in the Quran and Hadiths and detailed by scholars like Imam Ghazali, form an integral part of the Islamic ethos. They teach us that being a good neighbor is not merely a societal norm but a religious obligation and a manifestation of one’s faith. In a world where individualism often prevails, these teachings remind us of the importance of community, compassion, and empathy. Fulfilling the rights of neighbors is a direct path to achieving a harmonious society and earning the pleasure of Allah عَزَّ وَجَلَّ. May Allah enable us to understand and practice these rights, strengthening the bonds of neighborliness in our communities. Ameen.
FAQs
Q: What are the basic rights of neighbors in Islam?
A: In Islam, neighbors have the right to kindness, respect, and assistance. This includes greeting them, respecting their privacy, helping them in times of need, and avoiding any harm to them. These rights stem from Quran and Hadith teachings, stressing good relations with neighbors.
Q: How does Islam emphasize the importance of treating neighbors?
A: Islam places great importance on treating neighbors with kindness and fairness. The Holy Quran mentions neighbors alongside relatives and parents in terms of good treatment. Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ also emphasized this in his Hadiths, linking good treatment of neighbors to true faith and the pathway to Paradise.
Q: Can non-Muslim neighbors have the same rights in Islam?
A: Yes, in Islam, non-Muslim neighbors are entitled to the same kindness and respect as Muslim neighbors. The Prophet Muhammad صَلَّی اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَلَیْہِ وَاٰلِہٖ وَسَلَّمَ taught that neighbors, regardless of their faith, have rights over us, and we must fulfill these rights earnestly. Treating all neighbors with compassion is a fundamental Islamic teaching.
Q: What does the Quran say about neighbors?
A: The Quran instructs Muslims to be kind and just to their neighbors. In Surah An-Nisa (4:36), it emphasizes worshiping Allah and doing good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, near and distant neighbors, companions, travelers, and those whom one’s right hand possesses. This highlights the significance of neighbors in Islamic ethics.
Q: How can I be a good neighbor in Islam?
A: Being a good neighbor in Islam involves showing kindness, respect, and helpfulness. Greet neighbors warmly, offer help, respect privacy, avoid inconveniences, and share in joys and sorrows. Upholding these values strengthens community bonds and fulfills Islamic teachings.
Source:
Dawat e Islami