Rights of Neighbors
The Islamic faith prioritizes justice and compassion in social relations. In this context, the rights of neighbors are one of the important issues in Islam. Neighbors are among the people frequently encountered in a Muslim's daily life, and establishing good relations with them is part of the beautiful morals recommended by Islam. Our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged treating neighbors well and emphasized the importance of safeguarding their rights. The rights of neighbors are not limited to establishing good relations but also include taking care of their needs and helping them. Our responsibilities towards neighbors play a significant role in ensuring social peace and tranquility.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلَا يُؤْذِي جَارَهُ
"It is narrated from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor.'"
Not harming our neighbors is a requirement of our faith. We should always be good and kind to them.
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: مَا زَالَ جِبْرِيلُ يُوصِينِي بِالْجَارِ حَتَّى ظَنَنْتُ أَنَّهُ سَيُوَرِّثُهُ
"It is narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'Gabriel continued to advise me about the neighbor until I thought he would make him an heir.'"
Our responsibilities towards our neighbors are as important as our responsibilities towards our family members.
عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ النَّبِيُّ ﷺ: يَا أَبَا ذَرٍّ إِذَا طَبَخْتَ مَرَقَةً فَأَكْثِرْ مَاءَهَا وَتَعَاهَدْ جِيرَانَكَ
"It is narrated from Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'O Abu Dharr! When you cook a broth, add plenty of water to it and take care of your neighbors.'"
Sharing with our neighbors shows our love and commitment to them. Helping each other in times of need is important.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: لَا يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ مَنْ لَا يَأْمَنُ جَارُهُ بَوَائِقَهُ
"It is narrated from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'He who does not feel secure from the harm of his neighbor will not enter Paradise.'"
Providing security to our neighbors is a sign of our faith. We must avoid causing them harm.
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: خَيْرُ الْأَصْحَابِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى خَيْرُهُمْ لِصَاحِبِهِ وَخَيْرُ الْجِيرَانِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى خَيْرُهُمْ لِجَارِهِ
"It is narrated from Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with them) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of companions in the sight of Allah is the one who is best to his companion, and the best of neighbors in the sight of Allah is the one who is best to his neighbor.'"
Being good and kind to our neighbors increases our value in the sight of Allah. We should always be well-intentioned and helpful towards them.