Rights of Neighbors

Apart from a man's parents, children and near relatives, there also
exists a permanent association and contact between him and his
neighbors. The state of his association - be it good or otherwise has
a great influence on his life and morals. The Prophet (PBUH) had
attached great importance to this and has constantly urged the Ummah
topay due regard to the rights of neighborsto the extent that he had
declared good neighborliness to be part of Iman (Faith) and an
essential requisite for salvation.
Three Categories Of Neighbors
In a Hadith, related by Jabir (R.A.), the Prophet (PBUH) is reported
to have said
"Neighbors are ofthree kinds.Firstly, the neighbor who enjoys only one
right (and as far as rights are concerned) he is of the lowest
grade.Secondly, the one who enjoys two rights andthirdlythe neighbor
who enjoys three rights.
The neighbor with only one right is thePolytheist(i.e. a non-Muslim
neighbor with whom there are no family ties). The neighbor with two
rights is the neighbor who is also aMuslim(as such he has a claim as a
neighbor as well as a fellow Muslim) and the one with three rights is
the neighbor who is aMuslim and a Relative- he has a claim as a
neighbor, as a fellow Muslim and as a relative".
This Hadith clearly explains that the obligation to live in peace and
harmony with neighbors, as demanded in the Holy Quran and the
Traditions, also includes the non-Muslim neighbors. They too have a
claim to our kindness and sympathy. We treat the animals with kindness
and we have been warned against ill treating them, then what of our
fellow humans - more so our neighbors. It will be significant to note
that in all Ahadith Traditions mentioned, with regards to the basic
rights of neighbors, no distinction had been made between Muslims and
non-Muslims.
Emphasis On The Rights Of Neighbors
It is reported, on the authority of Ayesha (R.A.) and Ibn Umar (R.A.)
that the messenger of Allah (PBUH) said "The Angel Jibra'il (A.S.)
counseled me so frequently regarding the rights of the neighbor that I
feared, he too would be declared an heir."
This Hadith shows that Angel Jibra'il (A.S.) brought commandments from
Allah, concerning the rights of the neighbor so frequently and
stressed the need to be kind and courteous to him with such force and
regularity that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) thought that the neighbor also
will be made an heir i.e. just as parents, children and near relatives
inherit the property left by the deceased, he thought that the
neighbor, too, will be given a share in it.
Note:-The purpose of this Hadith is not merely to state a fact, but
rather it is most effective way of highlighting the importance of the
neighbor to the Muslims.
Importance Of Good Treatment To Neighbors (It is an essential
condition of Iman (faith))
It is narrated byAbu 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 hedoes not harm his neighborsand whoever believes in
Allah and the final Day it is essential for him toentertain his guest
with kindnessand 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 byAbu 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.
The construction and manner of the Hadith shows how agitated the
Prophet (PBUH) must have been when he said this. The essence contained
in this Hadith is that the Muslim whose character is such that his
neighbors expect nothing but evil from him and they live in fear of
being hurt or harmed by him,cannot be regarded as a true and faithful
believer- he doesn't deserve the title of Muslim or Mu'min. On another
occasion the Prophet (PBUH) is reported to have said that such a
person (whose neighbors do not feel safe on his account)shall not go
to Heaven.
Note:-In the language of Prophet hood, when special emphasis is laid
on a deed, the customary way of putting it is to say that whoever
neglects it etc. is not a true believer, and he shall not go to
Heaven. It should be understood that this does not imply that he has
actually been thrown out of the fold of Islam and now the laws of
Infidelity (Kufr) will apply to him, and that in the hereafter he will
be treated as an infidel, but rather this is an emphatic way of
explaining that such a person does not possess the true spirit of Iman
which is the glory of a Muslim and is pleasing to Allah. The
particular phrasing is used to lend greater force to the matter.
In yet another Hadith, related byAnas (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."
How astonishing that such a wide gap has occurred between these
teachings and traditions and the actual conduct of the Muslims as a
whole! It is extremely difficult for an unknowing person to believe
that such, really, were the teachings of the Holy Prophet of Islam
(PBUH).
Nevertheless, these traditions and teachings explain clearly
theimportance of good and kind treatment to neighborsand they are a
clear admonition to those who remain indifferent to the needs and
difficulties of their neighbors and care nothing for them.