By  Dr. Muhammad ‘Ali Al-Hashimi

Translated by Nasiruddin Al-Khattab and Revised by Ibrahim M. Kunna and Abu Aya Sulaiman Abdus-Sabur

 He is the best of people in his dealings with his neighbors

The Muslim who is truly aware of the teachings of his religion is the best of people in his dealings with his neighbors, and the most respectful, kind and considerate towards them.

He is aware of the Islamic teachings concerning good treatment of neighbors

He is aware of the many Islamic teachings concerning neighbors, and the high status given to them in the scale of human relationships, such as has never been equaled in any other religion or system before or since.

Allah (S.W.T.) has commanded the good treatment of neighbors in the Qur’an:

“Worship 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 (you meet), and what your right hands possess…” (Qur’an 4:36)

The “neighbor who is near” is one with whom one shares ties of kinship or religion; the “neighbor who is a stranger” is one with whom one shares no such ties; and the “companion by your side” is a friend, colleague or traveling-companion.

Everyone whose home neighbors yours has the rights of a neighbor over you, even if you are not connected by kinship or religion. This honoring of the neighbor is an example of the tolerance promoted by Islam.

There are many Ahadith of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) which enjoin good treatment of neighbors in general, regardless of kinship or religious factors, and confirm the importance of the neighborly relationship in Islam. For example:

“Jibril kept on enjoining the good treatment of neighbors to the extent that I thought he would include neighbors as heirs.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Islam gives such a high status to neighbors that when Jibril (A.S) reiterated the importance of treating them well, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) thought that he would raise neighbors to the level of kinship and give them similar rights of inheritance.

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) followed Jibril’s urging, and encouraged Muslims to honor neighbors and treat them well. In his historical khutbah during the Farewell Pilgrimage, in which he summarized the most important points of his teachings, he did not omit to mention neighbors and emphasized their rights to such an extent that the eminent Sahabi Abu Umamah also thought that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) would make neighbors heirs:

“I heard the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), when he was seated on his she-camel during the Farewell Pilgrimage, saying, ‘I enjoin you to treat your neighbors well,’ and urging their good treatment so much that I thought, he is going to give them the rights of inheritance.” [1]

The good treatment of neighbors and avoiding harming or annoying them is so important that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) described it as one of the signs of true faith in Allah (S.W.T.) and the Last Day:

“Whoever believes in Allah (S.W.T.) and the Last Day, let him treat his neighbor well; whoever believes in Allah (S.W.T.) and the Last Day, let him honor his guest; whoever believes in Allah (S.W.T.) and the Last Day, let him speak good or else remain silent.” (Bukhari and Muslim) According to a report given by Bukhari, he (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever believes in Allah (S.W.T.) and the Last Day, let him not harm or annoy his neighbor...”

The true Muslim is tolerant towards his neighbor

It comes as no surprise, then, that the Muslim who is truly guided by his faith is tolerant towards his neighbor, and is humble, easy-going and kind in his dealings with him. He does not stop him from using and enjoying his home, as the Prophet  (s.a.w.s.) said:

“No-one should prevent his neighbor from fastening a piece of wood to his wall.”  (Bukhari and Muslim)

He likes for his neighbor what he likes for himself

The Muslim who is truly guided by his religion is soft-hearted and alert, and knows how to communicate well. He is sensitive towards his neighbor, sharing his joy and commiserating him in his sorrow. He likes for him what he likes for himself, following the teaching of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.):

“None of you truly believes until he likes for his brother what he likes for himself.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

In a report given by Muslim from Anas (r.a.), the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, no servant truly believes until he likes for his neighbor (or he said: his brother) what he likes for himself.”

The true Muslim does not forget to take care of his neighbors who may be affected by the smell of cooking or barbecues coming from his house, which may provoke feelings of hunger, especially if they are poor and cannot afford much food. There may be small children, orphans, widows or elderly among them. The true Muslim is always alert to the spirit of social responsibility which the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) instilled in the Muslims in the words he spoke to Abu Dharr (r.a.):

“O Abu Dharr (r.a.), if you cook some broth, add extra water to it, and take care of your neighbor.” (Muslim) According to another report he said, “If you cook some broth, add extra water to it, then think of the families in your neighborhood and send some of it to them.” (Muslim)

The Muslim’s conscience will not let him ignore his neighbor’s poverty and difficulty while he is living a life of ease and plenty. How can he bear to see the difference between himself and his neighbor, when the words of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) are ringing in his ears?

“He does not believe in me, who eats his fill while his neighbor beside him is hungry, and he knows about it.”  [2]

“He is not a believer, who eats his fill while his neighbor is hungry.”  [3]

The misery that befalls humanity because of the lack of true Islamic morals and manners

Hence we realize that the misery that has befallen humanity throughout the world has occurred because of the lack of true Muslims in positions of influence and authority, and because of the swamping of true Islamic principles by backward, manmade systems, which have brought nothing but misery, poverty, exploitation, hunger and nakedness to so many, at the same time when mankind has conquered space, launched rockets and satellites, and put men on the moon. The international food and agriculture organization attached to the United Nations announced in 1975[4] that between 20-100 million people in Africa and Asia faced the possibility of death from starvation in the next few years, and that if the situation were allowed to continued, 3 million would be likely to die every week, while between 460-1,000 million people were suffering from malnutrition.

In the same year, news agencies reported the story of a young European woman who had volunteered to work as a nurse in some region of Africa where the people were suffering from chronic malnutrition. She had a severe mental breakdown that verged on insanity, after witnessing a bloody fight between some African children whose hunger drove them to compete savagely for a piece of mango. The fight did not stop until one child had plucked out the eye of another. None of the children concerned was any older than 8 years. This hunger has also caused many cases of total blindness, because of the constant lack of vitamins; children are so severely underweight that they look like skeletons. They have little or no resistance to illness, and are truly between the jaws of death.

At a time when hunger is stalking Africa and Asia, we see the West, the rich nations who constitute only 20 % of the world’s population but own 80 % of the world’s wealth, going to insane lengths to hold on to this wealth. In 1975 Brazil burnt thousands of tons of coffee; the EEC (now known as the EU) spent $50 million to destroy surplus food and agricultural produce; and America pays its farmers $3,000 million annually for not growing anything - all to keep prices in the world’s markets high! American farmers killed tens of thousands of calves, and buried them, to keep the price of meat high, when in the same year tens of thousands of people died of starvation in Africa, Asia and Latin America!

How great a difference there is between the humane culture of Islam, which does not let a poor man suffer because of the scent of cooking from a rich neighbor’s house which may aggravate his hunger, and the materialistic culture of the West which is threatening millions of people with death from starvation. How miserable are those who are striving to adopt materialistic systems, whether Western or Eastern, stumbling blindly in the black night of jahiliyyah. How great is the responsibility of the Muslims to be the bearers of the torch lit from a blessed tree, neither of the East nor of the West, which alone can dispel the darkness of jahiliyyah, illuminate hearts and minds, and restore mankind to guidance, security and prosperity.

The Muslim treats his neighbor in the best way he can

The Muslim who understands the teachings of his religion hastens to treat his neighbor in the best way he can. Nothing is too insignificant when it comes to respecting his neighbor, as some ignorant people think they may think something is too small to be worth giving as a gift to a neighbor, so they refrain from giving it, thus depriving themselves and their neighbors of much goodness. This is something the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) pointed out to women in particular, as many of them may feel too shy to offer a small gift to a neighbor:

“O Muslim women, do not think that any gift is too insignificant to give to a neighbor, even if it is only a sheep’s foot.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

A sheep’s foot is a thing of little value, but it is better than nothing, and no woman should feel that any gift is not worth giving to a neighbor. Allah (S.W.T.) says:  

“Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good, see it! “  (Qur’an 99:7)

And the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said:

“Save yourself from the Fire even by giving half a date in charity.” (Bukhari)

But this hadith, which is general in application, may also be taken to mean that the recipient should not look down on the gift. The meaning then is: No (female) neighbor should scorn the gift given to her by another (female) neighbor, even if it is it is just a sheep’s foot. Rather, she should thank her for it, because gratitude engenders friendship among neighbors and encourages mutual support and help. This is in addition to the fact that thanking people for favors is a basic Islamic trait which the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) strongly encouraged:

“The one who does not give thanks to people does not give thanks to Allah (S.W.T.).” [5]

His generosity is directed towards both Muslim and non-Muslim neighbors

The true Muslim does not restrict his good treatment only to neighbors who are related to him or who are Muslims, but he extends it to non-Muslim neighbors too, so that the tolerance of Islam may spread to all people, regardless of their race or religion. The eminent Sahabi ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr had a sheep slaughtered and asked his slave, “Did you give some meat to our Jewish neighbor? For I heard the Prophet  (s.a.w.s.) say, ‘Jibril kept on enjoining the good treatment of neighbors to the extent that I thought he would include neighbors as heirs.’”  (Bukhari and Muslim) 

The People of the Book have lived among Muslims for centuries, knowing that they, their honor, their wealth and their beliefs are secure, and enjoying good neighborly relations, good treatment and freedom of worship. Evidence of this is seen in the continued existence of their ancient churches, clinging to mountaintops, surrounded by thousands of Muslims who uphold the well-being of their Jewish and Christian neighbors in accordance with Qur’anic teachings:

“Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for “your” Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just.”  (Qur’an 60:8)

He starts with the neighbor whose home is closest to his own

The true Muslim does not forget the precise system that Islam set out when it enjoined the good treatment of neighbors. Islam has told him to give priority to the one whose house is closest, then the one who is next closest, and so on. This takes into account the closeness of the neighbors whose homes are beside one another, the issues which may frequently arise between them and the importance of maintaining friendship and harmony.

‘A’ishah said: “O Messenger of Allah, I have two neighbors, so to which one should I send a gift?” He said, “To the one whose door is closer to yours.” (Bukhari)

The Sahabah were well-aware of this Islamic teaching regarding the treatment of one’s neighbors, so they would not attend to the good treatment of neighbors whose home was further away until they had taken care of the one whose home was nearer. Concerning this, Abu Hurayrah (r.a.) said: “He does not start with the neighbor whose home is further away before he takes care of the one whose home is nearer. He pays attention to the one whose home is nearer before he turns his attention to the one whose home is further away.”[6]

This system of priority in the good treatment of neighbors does not mean that a Muslim should ignore the neighbors who are further away from his home. Everyone around his home is considered to be a neighbor and thus enjoys the rights of a neighbor. This system is merely a matter of organization, by means of which the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) encouraged taking care of the closest neighbor because he is the one with whom there is usually ongoing contact and interaction.

The true Muslim is the best neighbor

The attitude of treating neighbors well is deeply engrained in the Muslim’s conscience and is one of the features that most distinguishes him in the sight of Allah and of other people, because the true Muslim who has grown up in or been nurtured by Islam and has internalized its teachings, cannot but be the best of companions and the best of neighbors. He is the one described by the Prophet (s.a.w.s.):

“The best of companions in the sight of Allah (S.W.T.) is the one who is best to his companion and the best of neighbors in the sight of Allah (S.W.T.) is the one who is best to his neighbor.” [7]

So Islam counts a good neighbor, one whose presence is a source of comfort, security and safety, as one of the joys of a Muslim’s life. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) honoured the good neighbor by describing him as one of the pillars of happiness in a Muslim’s life:

“Among the things that bring happiness to a Muslim in this life are a righteous neighbor, a spacious house and a good steed.”[8]

The salaf appreciated the value of good neighbors so much that they considered having a good neighbor to be a priceless blessing. One story which reflects this tells that the neighbor of Sa‘id ibn al-‘As wanted to sell his home for 100,000 dirhams, and told the would-be purchaser, “This is the price of the house, but what would you give for having Sa‘id as a neighbor?” When Sa‘id heard about this, he sent his neighbor the price of the house and told him to stay there.

This is the status of neighbors in Islam, and the attitude and behavior of a good Muslim neighbor. But what about bad neighbors?

Bad neighbors

Having a bad neighbor is something which is so appalling that the sensitive Muslim cannot think of it without shuddering and being filled with a sense of fear, loathing and hatred.

The bad neighbor is a person who is deprived of the blessing of faith

The bad neighbor is a person who is deprived of the blessing of faith, which is the greatest blessing that the Creator has bestowed upon His creation. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) confirmed the bad neighbor’s loss of this great blessing in no uncertain terms when he said: “He is not a believer. He is not a believer. He is not a believer.” The people asked, “Who, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “The one from whose evil (or troubles) his neighbor does not feel safe.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

In a report given by Muslim he (s.a.w.s.) said:

“The one from whose evil his neighbor does not feel safe will not enter Paradise.”

How great must be the crime of the bad neighbor, if his mistreatment of his neighbor is depriving him of the blessings of faith and denying him entrance to Paradise!

The true Muslim listens to these teachings with an open mind and accepts them. It never occurs to him that one day he may find himself in an argument or conflict with one of his neighbors, because that will destroy his faith and all hope of success in the Hereafter. This would be the greatest loss, and the mere thought of it makes the true Muslim tremble.

The bad neighbor is a person whose good deeds are not accepted

Not surprisingly, several hadith state that the bad neighbor is one whose good deeds are not accepted, and will be of no avail so long as he is mistreating his neighbor, because in Islam, good deeds are always centered on a foundation of faith, and as we have seen in the hadith quoted above, the bad neighbor has no faith. So obviously his good deeds are not accepted: Allah (S.W.T.) rejects them outright, no matter how many good deeds he does, even if he spends all day and all night doing them.

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, such-and-such a woman spends her nights in prayer, fasts during the day, and so on, and she gives charity, but she offends her neighbors with her sharp tongue.” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said:

“Her good deeds will be of no avail: she is among the people of Hell.” They said, “And so-and-so prays only the obligatory prayers, gives charity in the form of left-over curds, but does not offend anyone.” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “She is among the people of Paradise.”[9]

The bad neighbor is one of the three worst types of people defined by the Prophet (s.a.w.s.):

“There are three worst types of people: a ruler who, if you do well, does not appreciate it and if you do wrong, he does not forgive you for it; a bad neighbor who, if he sees something good, he conceals it, and if he sees something bad he broadcasts it; and a wife who, when you are present, she annoys you and if you go away, she betrays you.” [10]

Hence the smart Muslim will have a very clear picture of the bad neighbor, as described by the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), and will keep a great distance from such a person.

The true Muslim is careful to avoid falling into sin where his neighbor is concerned

The true Muslim is especially careful to avoid committing sins against his neighbor, because a sin against a neighbor is worse than other crimes, according to the words of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). He quizzed his Companions about adultery and they said, “It is haram; Allah (S.W.T.) and His Messenger have prohibited it.” He told them, “A man who commits adultery with ten women has committed a lesser sin than one who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife.” Then he quizzed them about stealing, and they said, “It is haram; Allah (S.W.T.) and His Messenger have prohibited it.” He told them, “A man who steals from ten households has committed a lesser sin than the one who steals from his neighbor’s house.”[11]

 The neighbor in Islam enjoys a unique sanctity which is unknown in other manmade laws and systems. Those manmade laws encourage the violation of a neighbor’s honor because it is usually easier and there are more opportunities to do so than to violate the honor of others. These promiscuous songs about looking through the neighbor’s window and such like did not become widespread in the Muslim world until we had forgotten the manners of chivalry and faith, and been overwhelmed by blind imitation and cultural and intellectual imperialism. Then cheap, dirty young men among us began to compose songs and poems about the female neighbor, when such a thing had never been known during our jahiliyyah, let alone after the advent of Islam. One of our noble and decent poets, if he happened to see a female neighbor, would say:

“I lower my gaze when my female neighbor appears before me, until she disappears into her own home.” [12]

Islam has encouraged this noble human attitude and behavior in the many texts concerning the good treatment of one’s neighbor, protecting his honor, concealing his faults, helping him when he is in need, lowering one’s gaze from his womenfolk, and keeping away from everything that may harm him or make him suspicious. It is no surprise, then, that the true Muslim is the best neighbor that any human society has ever known.

The Muslim who is truly sensitive and aware of the teachings of his religion concerning the good treatment of neighbors, will be very cautious indeed concerning any dispute that may arise between himself and his neighbor for any reason, because of the warning of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) against arguing with neighbors:

 “The first two antagonists on the Day of Judgement will be two neighbors.” [13]

His good treatment of his neighbor is not lacking

The true Muslim does not spare any effort to help his neighbor, opening wide the door of care, friendship and generosity. He is careful to fulfil his duty towards him lest the words of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) concerning the miserly, unhelpful neighbor become applicable to him:

“How many people will be hanging on to their neighbors on the Day of Resurrection, saying: ‘O my Rabb! He shut his door in my face and denied me his kind treatment and help!’” [14]

What a miserable position the miserly, uncaring neighbor will be in on the Day of Judgment!

According to Islam, the Muslims are like a wall, whose bricks are the people of the Ummah. Each brick must be sound, and strongly bonded with the others, to make this wall sturdy and enduring; otherwise it will become weak and prone to collapse. Thus Islam surrounds this wall with strong spiritual ties, to preserve its integrity and strength, so that it will not be shaken no matter what events befall it.

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) gave a marvelous metaphor of the Muslims’ solidarity and mutual support:

“The believers are like a wall whose bricks are fitted tightly together; each one of them supports another.”  (Bukhari)

“The believers, in their mutual friendship, mercy and affection, are like one body: if any part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in pain.”  (Bukhari)

If a religion places such an amazing emphasis on the solidarity of its followers, it is natural that it should strengthen neighborly ties and base them on a solid foundation of friendship, kindness, mutual support and good treatment.

He puts up with his neighbor’s mistakes and bad treatment

The Muslim who is guided by Islam is patient with his neighbor and does not get angry or bear a grudge if he makes a mistake or has some shortcomings. He is tolerant and forgiving towards him, thus hoping to earn reward from Allah (S.W.T.) and to attain His love and pleasure. This is proven by the hadith of Abu Dharr: when Mutarrif ibn ‘Abdullah met him, he said, “O Abu Dharr, I heard about what you said and I wanted to meet you.” Abu Dharr said, “Your father was a great man! Now you have met me.” Mutarrif said: “I heard that you have said that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: ‘Allah loves three and hates three.’” Abu Dharr said, “I do not think that I will tell lies about the Messenger of Allah.” Mutarrif said, “Then who are the three whom Allah (S.W.T.) loves?” Abu Dharr (quoting the Prophet  (s.a.w.s.) said: “A man who fights for the sake of Allah (S.W.T.), with perseverance and hoping for reward from Him, and fights until he is killed, and you find this in the Book of Allah (S.W.T.).” Then he recited: “Truly Allah loves those who fight in His Cause in battle array, as if they were a solid cemented structure.”  (Qur’an 61:4) Mutarrif asked: “Then who?” He said, “A man who has a bad neighbor who annoys and disturbs him, but he bears it with patience and forbearance until Allah (S.W.T.) ends the matter either during his lifetime or upon the death of either of them.”[15]

He does not give tit-for-tat

One element of the teachings of this religion which the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) explained to his Companions is not to repay a bad neighbor with bad deeds, but to bear his disturbance with patience, in so far as he is able, hoping that the one who is doing wrong may stop his bad behavior when he sees that his neighbor is not responding in kind. This is one of the noblest characteristics and one of the most effective ways of uprooting the evil that exists in some souls.

Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah ibn Sallam (r.a.) came to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and said, “My neighbor is disturbing me.” He said, “Have patience.” He came back a second time and said, “My neighbor is disturbing me,” And the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) again told him, “Have patience.” He came back a third time and said, “My neighbor is disturbing me.” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) told him: “Go back and put all your goods and chattels out in the street. If anyone comes along and asks you, tell him, ‘My neighbor is disturbing me.’ Then he will truly incur curses. Whoever believes in Allah (S.W.T.) and the Last Day, let him honour his neighbor...’” [16]

He knows his neighbor’s rights over him

From the teachings of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) regarding neighbors, the true Muslim knows the rights of his neighbor over him at all times. So he helps him at times of difficulty; he shares his joys and his sorrows; if he becomes poor he treats him kindly and helps him; if he is ill he visits him and consoles him; if he dies he follows his bier, comforts his family and takes care of them. He never forgets to consider the feelings of his neighbor and his family, and avoids doing anything that may hurt their feelings whether directly or indirectly.

These are the sublime Islamic teachings concerning neighbors for every Muslim who has been guided to true Islam and who applies its rules to himself and to his family. Is it any wonder, in the light of all this, that the true Muslim should be the best neighbor that any human society has ever known?

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