Let’s imagine we are living in a world where everyone respects and cares for one another, where neighbors aren’t just the people next door but a part of our extended family. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, this is precisely what Islam guides us to strive for—a society where kindness flows freely, especially toward our neighbors. Treating our neighbor with all due respect, kindness, and goodness is part of Islam. Allah says:
“Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the needy, the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger…” (Surah An-Nisa 4:36)
But why does Islam place such strong emphasis on how we treat those living near us? And what are the actual teachings that help us live by this principle? Stay on the page with me because we’re going to dive deep into these questions and more. By the end of this, you’ll see how fulfilling this responsibility not only pleases Allah but also transforms the communities for the better.
Why is treating our neighbor well given so much importance in Islam?
Firstly, know that Islam doesn’t just consider your neighbor the person who lives next to you. According to scholars, a neighbor in Islam can be anyone within a radius of 40 houses from your own. That’s quite a wide net, isn’t it? It shows us that our responsibility isn’t limited to a single household or person—we’re meant to create a network of goodwill that extends far and wide to people around the community and us.
So in a hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Jibreel kept advising me about the neighbor until I thought he would make him one of my heirs” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3674).
This hadith speaks volumes about how important it is to treat our neighbors as part of our own family. Think about it, assuming your neighbor were to inherit from you, how would that change the way you treat them? Maybe we’d show a little more care, give a little more attention, and ensure their well-being, right? Islam invites us to have this mindset always.
Islam doesn’t just throw out friendly advice when it comes to treating our neighbor. No, it’s much stronger than that. Islam is about how we live every moment of our lives, especially in relation to others. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) laid heavy emphasis on the treatment of neighbors, to the point where our actions toward them are intertwined with our faith.
He said, “He is not a true believer who eats his fill while his neighbor is hungry”
Can you imagine the depth of this statement? It means we can’t claim to have strong faith if we’re unconcerned about the struggles of those living nearby. If your neighbor is struggling, that should pull at your heartstrings as if your heart will pull out. Islam teaches us that our well-being is tied to the well-being of those around us.
Note that this hadith doesn’t just highlight food only. It’s about any resource we’re blessed with. Whether it’s wealth, knowledge, or even something as simple as time—if our neighbors are in need of it, we should step up to help them.
Now, imagine Jibreel (peace be upon him) consistently reminding the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to be mindful of how he treats his neighbors. This hadith shows us that treating our neighbor well isn’t just a moral obligation; it’s a religious duty. This can also be confirmed in another hadith where the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct. (Sahih Muslim, 46)
That’s a strong statement, isn’t it? It’s clear that mistreating or neglecting our neighbors can have serious consequences in the hereafter. This is our treating our neighbor is tied to our faith and Islam as a whole.
Some Rights of your Neighbors upon you.
Let’s talk about your neighbor now. I mean the person who lives next to your door or perhaps just across the street, the one you see when you head out in the morning or return after a long day. Do you know their rights upon you according to Islam? You may not think much about it, but Islam places tremendous importance on how we interact with and care for those who live close to us.
In fact, the way we treat our neighbors is so crucial that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not harm his neighbor” (Sahih Bukhari).
Pretty clear, right? Islam isn’t just about how you pray or fast. It talks about every aspect of life, which also includes how you treat those around you, especially the ones you share a wall, street, or neighborhood with. Let’s look into some rights of our neighbor over us.
1. Right to Safety and Respect
First of all, we all want to live in peace, don’t we? Nobody enjoys living next to someone who disrupts their peace. Well, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) made it clear that our neighbors have the right to feel safe and respected. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! The one whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil” (Sahih Bukhari).
Can you feel the stress in the “believe”? It’s repeated three times, emphasizing that harming or disturbing our neighbors puts our faith in jeopardy. When we talk about treating our neighbor with respect, it’s about more than just being polite. It’s about ensuring that they feel secure, respected, and at peace living next to us.
If we’re playing loud tunes either from TV or Radio, parking in their spot, or engaging in any kind of behavior that disturbs them, we’re neglecting their Islamic right.
In a simple principle, treat them how you’d want to be treated. Just think about it: would you like it if your neighbor constantly made noise, invaded your privacy, or caused unnecessary stress? Of course not! Islam tells us to be mindful of our space and ensure that living near us is a blessing, not a burden.
2. Sharing and Caring for them
One of the most beautiful aspects of treating our neighbors with goodness is the idea of sharing and caring for them. And it’s not just a suggestion; it’s highly recommended as a way to build love, unity, and a sense of community. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“O Abu Dharr, when you cook a stew, put more water in the broth and take care of your neighbors.” (Sahih Muslim).
This simple act of generosity goes a long way in fostering positive relationships. Imagine you’re cooking something delicious, and the aroma fills the air. Instead of keeping it all for yourself, Islam encourages you to share it with your neighbor. Even a small bowl can brighten someone’s day. It’s about the gesture, not the quantity.
You never know how such a small act could foster a lasting bond. It’s these moments of kindness that create a deep sense of connection and mutual respect between neighbors.
But this idea of sharing isn’t just limited to food. It could be anything—a kind word, a helping hand, or even a smile. When we are generous to our neighbors, we are fulfilling a key aspect of treating our neighbors the way Islam taught us.
3. Visiting and helping them when they are down
We all know that life is unpredictable, right? One day you might be in perfect health, and the next day you might find yourself in need of help. This is why one of the key rights our neighbors have over us is that we visit them in times of illness and help them when they need it. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“The best of companions to Allah is the one who is best to his companions, and the best of neighbors to Allah is the one who is best to his neighbors” (Tirmidhi).
When your neighbor is unwell, lonely, or in need, don’t hesitate to check in on them. Sometimes, just showing up with a few comforting words or offering them something can make all the difference. Islam teaches us that being present for our neighbors during their hard times isn’t just a nice thing to do, it’s an obligation. It’s about showing empathy and care, qualities that are fundamental to our faith.
If we extend this care, we not only help our neighbor but also set a powerful example. The community starts to notice this behavior, and over time, these actions create a ripple effect, encouraging others to do the same. And who wouldn’t want to live in a place where everyone is looking out for each other?
Think about how peaceful and harmonious life would be if we all upheld these rights. No one would feel isolated, and everyone would have someone to rely on in difficult times. This is the kind of environment Islam encourages us to build. And honestly, wouldn’t you love to live in a place where everyone is kind, caring, and considerate?
What Happens When We Neglect the Rights of Our Neighbors?
The consequences of neglecting the rights of our neighbors is grave. As Muslims, we should know that treating our neighbor badly can endanger our faith and bring punishment to us from Allah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) emphasized the seriousness of treating our neighbor very well so much that he swore by Allah multiple times to stress the point. He said,
“By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! The one whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil” (Sahih Bukhari).
Imagine being denied the status of a believer simply because we failed to make our neighbors feel safe or comfortable. Whether it’s through our actions, words, or even our attitude, our neighbors shouldn’t fear or feel uneasy because of us. If they do, we risk falling short of true faith. Just let that sink in for a moment—failing in this duty can directly affect our standing as Muslims in the eyes of Allah.
As Muslims, we believe that every action, good or bad, has a direct impact on our relationship with Allah. So what happens when we knowingly neglect our neighbor’s rights? In one hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) talked about the situation of a woman who was known for her regular prayers and fasting, yet she entered Hellfire.
Abu Huraira reported: A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, a woman prays in the night, fasts in the day, does many deeds and gives charity, yet she harms her neighbors with her tongue.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “There is no good in her. She is among the people of Hellfire.”
The man said, “O Messenger of Allah, another woman prays the obligatory prayers and gives bits of food in charity, yet she does not harm anyone.” The Prophet said, “She is among the people of Paradise.” (Al-Adab al-Mufrad lil-Bukhari 117)
Why did she enter hellfire? Because she mistreated her neighbor. Despite her acts of worship, her bad treatment of her neighbor still led her into hellfire. While it’s important to pray, fast, and fulfill our other religious obligations, we must never overlook the rights of our neighbors, as this is an essential part of being a good Muslim.
Tips To Improve Your Relationship With Your Neighbours Today
So, how can you start today? Here are a few simple, practical tips to help you build better relationships with your neighbors:
- Smile and Greet
A smile is a sunnah and an easy way to brighten your neighbor’s day. Take a moment to say “Assalaamu Alaikum” or “Hello” when you pass by. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way. - Offer Help
Whether it’s offering to carry something for them or helping them with a task, extend your hand whenever possible. You never know how happy they can be with a little assistance and even more. - Share Food
The next time you’re cooking, make a little extra and share it with your neighbors. It’s a simple act that can strengthen your relationship and create a sense of community. - Celebrate Together
Invite your neighbors to celebrate special occasions with you. Whether it’s a marriage celebration, a naming, or even a casual get-together, sharing moments of joy builds lasting bonds. - Resolve Disputes Peacefully
If conflicts arise, handle them with patience and understanding. Offer forgiveness and strive to make peace whenever possible.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
“The best of companions to Allah is the one who is best to his companions, and the best of neighbors to Allah is the one who is best to his neighbors” (Tirmidhi).
To wrap it up, it’s easy to overlook our neighbors in today’s fast-paced world. We come home, close the door, and immerse ourselves in our own lives. But let’s remember the teachings of Islam about treating our neighbor with love, care, and respect.
Whether it’s a smile, a plate of food, or simply offering a helping hand, treating our neighbor well is the cornerstone of being a true Muslim. This obligation isn’t just for when it’s convenient. It’s a daily practice that can bring countless rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us,
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be kind to his neighbor” (Bukhari).
Let’s take this teaching to heart, applying it in every interaction we have, knowing that through these small acts, we’re not just improving our own lives—we’re uplifting our faith and getting closer to Allah in earning his blessings and rewards. Let’s know that every good and bad deed of a Muslim shall be rewarded, and let’s strive to always do good all the time. Here’s a hadith on the reward for good and bad deeds!
So, what will you do today? How will you start treating your neighbor?
Let’s strive to follow the teachings of Allah and the Prophet (PBUH) and make our neighborhoods places of peace, love, and understanding. And as you do, remember that every act, no matter how small, brings you closer to Allah and brings blessings to you and those around you. May Allah make us all better neighbors, and may He reward our efforts in this life and the Hereafter. Aameen.
