“The best of companions in the sight of Allah
is the one who is the best of them to his companion, and the best of
neighbours near Allah is the one who is the best of them to his
neighbour.”
The supreme importance given to this duty towards neighbours by the
Prophet of Islăm (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was not witnessed before
in any other system of law. He set up positive rules in the
jurisprudence of Islăm regarding treatment towards neighbours. This
right has not only been conferred upon neighbours who are Muslims, but
also on non-Muslims; thereby extending the rope of co-operation and
fellow feeling among neighbours.
Allah Ta’ăla declared in the Qur’ăn; “Be good
to the parents, near of kin, orphans, the needy, relative neighbours and
alien neighbours.” (4:36).
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam’s) treatment towards neighbours
was exemplary. He was ever ready to forego his comforts and interests
for the good of others. His treatment towards the As’hăbus Suf’fa and
companions who closeted themselves in his Masjid by the side was very
kind and friendly.
Once Sayyidinah Ali (R.A.) requested for something to which he replied;
“How can it be that I should give it to you.
While the companions of Suf’fa should have their stomach wrapped on
account of hunger.”
Once the Prophet of Islăm (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “One
whose neighbour is not safe from his troubles shall not enter paradise.”
(Muslim).
Islăm says that no man or woman will get salvation despite his or her
piety, till he or she does not treat his or her neighbour well. This is
as true to a particular individual as to a nation. The neighbouring
nations should live in perfect peace and amity. It is further said that
the character of a man is known only from his neighbour.
Once Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “The
best of companions in the sight of Allah is the one who is the best of
them to his companion, and the best of neighbours near Allah is the one
who is the best of them to his neighbour.” Once a man asked Rasulullah (Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam); “O Messenger of Allah! How can I know when I do good
and when I do bad?” Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) replied;
“When you hear your neighbours say, you have done good, you have done
good. And when you hear them say, you have done bad, you have done bad.”
(Ibn Măjah).
Islăm teaches that every man should send food and gifts to his neighbour
however insignificant. The neighbour has the right of being invited on
festive occasions. Every sort of help should be extended towards a
neighbour without any discrimination of caste, creed and religion.
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “O
Muslim women! No female neighbour must hold in contempt for her
neighbour even a hoof of a goat.” (Bukhări/Muslim).
Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “When
you cook broth, increase its water and give it to your neighbours.”
(Muslim).
Once Sayyidinah Ă’isha (R.A.) asked; “O
Messenger of Allah! I have two neighbours. To whom among these two
should I send some gift?” He replied; “To the one who is nearer to you
of the two in respect of door.” (Bukhări).
These Ahădith apply to both Muslims and non-Muslims.
As followers of the supreme teaching of the beloved Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu
Alaihi Wasallam) we need to ask ourselves do we love our neighbour or do
we harbour great jealousy and hatred for them. It is fine for the entire
world to re-furbish their homes, purchase a new car etc, but not for our
neighbours. As soon as we see any good in them the flames of jealousy
intensifies within us.
One of the prime reason for this is due to the pressure of wanting to
keep up with ‘jones’ scenario. The poor neighbour is now pressurised to
also build an unneeded extension to his home or purchase the latest car
just as his neighbour has. In doing so one then becomes obliged to take
out an un-lawful mortgage, and in doing so violating the pristine laws
of his Creator. The riches of one neighbour increases the poverty of the
other neighbour.
May Allah Ta’ăla grant us all the guidance to understand the beautiful
teaching’s of Islăm, and the ability to act upon them. Ameen.
Article taken (with Thanks) from IslamicTarbiyah.com
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