By
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all that exists. We praise Him, seek His help, and ask for His forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allah from the evil of our own souls and from the evil consequences of our deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can lead astray, and whomsoever Allah leaves astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone, without any partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his family, his companions, and all those who follow him in righteousness until the Day of Judgment.
O servants of Allah! Fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except as Muslims.
Today, in this blessed congregation, we turn our hearts and minds to a fundamental pillar of our faith, a cornerstone of a thriving and compassionate society, the concept of neighbourhood in Islam. This is not merely a matter of geographical proximity; rather, it is a profound spiritual and social obligation, deeply rooted in the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Islam, as a comprehensive way of life, meticulously outlines the rights and responsibilities that individuals hold towards one another, fostering a harmonious and supportive community.
Among these rights, the rights of the neighbour occupy a significant and elevated position. The Quran and Sunnah are replete with injunctions emphasizing the importance of treating neighbours with kindness, respect, and compassion. Neglecting these rights is not merely a social failing; it is a transgression against the very principles of our faith, potentially leading to spiritual deficiency and divine displeasure.
Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala emphasizes the importance of neighbours in the very fabric of our existence, mentioning them alongside the most fundamental relationships in Surah An-Nisa (4:36):
"Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbour, the distant neighbour, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful."
In this powerful verse, Allah Almighty enjoins us to treat the neighbour, both near and distant, with ihsan – excellence, goodness, and kindness. This is not a mere suggestion; it is a divine command, placed alongside the fundamental duty of worshipping Allah alone and being good to parents and relatives. The inclusion of both the "near neighbour" (al-jaar dhi al-qurba) and the "distant neighbour" (al-jaar al-junub) highlights the universality of this obligation. It transcends familial ties and geographical closeness, encompassing all those who reside in our vicinity, regardless of their background, faith, or social standing.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) further elaborated on the profound significance of the neighbour's rights through his words and actions. So emphatic were his pronouncements that the companions even began to believe that neighbours would inherit from one another. Imam Bukhari and Muslim narrated from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Angel Jibril (Gabriel) continued to advise me concerning the neighbour until I thought he would make him an heir."
This powerful statement underscores the immense importance Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) placed on the well-being and rights of the neighbour. The constant reminders from the angel Jibril, the intermediary of divine revelation, highlight that fulfilling the rights of the neighbour is not a peripheral matter but a central tenet of Islamic conduct.
What then are these rights that Islam so strongly emphasizes? They are multifaceted and encompass various aspects of our interactions with those around us.
KINDNESS AND GOOD TREATMENT (AL-IHSAN):
The cornerstone of neighbourly relations in Islam is kindness and good treatment. This includes speaking to them politely, greeting them warmly, and showing them a friendly disposition. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be good to his neighbour." (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith connects good treatment of the neighbour directly to the very essence of faith. It is a manifestation of one's belief in Allah and the accountability of the Hereafter.
AVOIDING HARM AND ANNOYANCE (Kaff al-Adha):
Just as important as being kind is refraining from causing any harm or annoyance to our neighbours. This includes physical harm, verbal abuse, spreading rumors, or any action that might disturb their peace and tranquility.
Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala warns against those who harm their believing men and women without any just cause in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:58):
"And those who harm believing men and believing women for [something] other than what they have earned have certainly borne upon themselves a slander and manifest sin."
While this verse specifically mentions harming believers, the principle extends to all neighbours, regardless of their faith. 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!" It was said, "Who, O Messenger of Allah?" He said, "The one whose neighbour is not safe from his evil deeds." (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
This stern warning highlights the severity of harming one's neighbour. It negates the very claim of faith if a person's neighbour does not feel secure from their ill-treatment.
SHOWING COMPASSION AND SUPPORT (Al-Rahmah wal-Mu'awanah):
Islam encourages us to be compassionate and supportive towards our neighbours, especially in times of need. This includes visiting them when they are sick, offering condolences when they are bereaved, and helping them overcome difficulties.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbour beside him is hungry and he knows it." (Al-Mu'jam Al-Kabir by At-Tabarani)
This hadith emphasizes the importance of being aware of our neighbours' circumstances and extending a helping hand when they are in need. It is a powerful reminder that our faith is not just about individual piety but also about our responsibility towards the community around us.
PRESERVING THEIR PRIVACY (Sitruhum):
Islam teaches us the importance of respecting the privacy of our neighbours and not intruding into their personal lives. We should avoid eavesdropping, spying, or spreading information about them that they would not want to be public. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12):
"O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful."
While this verse addresses believers in general, the principle of avoiding suspicion, spying, and backbiting is particularly relevant in the context of neighbourly relations, where proximity can sometimes lead to unwarranted interference.
RESPONDING TO THEIR INVITATIONS AND ACCEPTING THEIR GIFTS (Ijabatu Da'watihim wa Qabulu Hadaayaahim):
Islam encourages us to foster positive relationships with our neighbours by responding to their invitations and accepting their gifts, as long as there is nothing contrary to Islamic principles involved. This strengthens the bonds of friendship and goodwill within the community. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
"Respond to the invitation and do not reject the gift." (Sahih Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)
OFFERING CONGRATULATIONS IN TIMES OF JOY AND CONDOLENCES IN TIMES OF SORROW (Tahni'atuhum fil-Afrah wa Ta'ziyatuhum fil-Atrah):
Sharing in the joys and sorrows of our neighbours is an essential aspect of Islamic brotherhood and neighbourly conduct. Offering congratulations on happy occasions and expressing condolences during times of grief strengthens the social fabric and provides emotional support.
FORBEARING THEIR MISTAKES AND OVERLOOKING THEIR SHORTCOMINGS (Al-Sabru 'ala Akhtaa'ihim wat-Taghaful 'an Zallaatihim):
As human beings, we are all prone to making mistakes. Islam teaches us to be patient with our neighbours, to overlook their minor shortcomings, and to avoid being overly critical or judgmental. This fosters a spirit of tolerance and understanding within the community.
MAINTAINING GOOD RELATIONS EVEN IF THEY ARE NON-MUSLIMS (Husnul-Jawar ma'a Ghairil-Muslimeen):
The rights of the neighbour in Islam extend even to those who are not Muslims. We are commanded to treat them with justice, kindness, and respect, and to avoid any form of oppression or discrimination. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala says in Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8):
"Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly."
This verse clearly establishes the principle of treating non-Muslim neighbours with righteousness (birr) and justice (qist), as long as they do not initiate hostility.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF NEGLECTING NEIGHBOURLY RIGHTS:
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) warned against the severe consequences of neglecting the rights of the neighbour.
He said:"He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not safe from his evil deeds." (Sahih Muslim)
This is a grave warning, highlighting the seriousness with which Islam views the transgression of neighbourly rights. It indicates that neglecting these obligations can have dire consequences in the Hereafter.
Furthermore, strained neighbourly relations can lead to social fragmentation, mistrust, and conflict within the community. A society where neighbours are at odds with each other is a weak and unstable society, lacking the essential bonds of cooperation and mutual support that Islam seeks to cultivate.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROACTIVE ENGAGEMENT:
Fulfilling the rights of the neighbour is not merely about avoiding harm; it also involves proactive engagement in fostering positive relationships. This includes taking the initiative to greet them, offering help when needed, and showing genuine interest in their well-being.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged visiting the sick, attending funerals, and sharing in the joys and sorrows of our neighbours. These acts of kindness and compassion strengthen the bonds of community and create a supportive environment for all.
PRACTICAL STEPS TOWARDS BETTER NEIGHBOURLY RELATIONS:
How can we, as individuals and as a community, improve our neighbourly relations and fulfill our Islamic obligations? Here are some practical steps:
BE MINDFUL OF NOISE LEVELS: Avoid loud music, excessive construction noise, or any other disturbances that might affect your neighbours, especially during rest hours.
MAINTAIN THE CLEANLINESS OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS: Ensure that your property is clean and does not negatively impact the cleanliness or aesthetics of the neighbourhood.
BE CONSIDERATE WITH PARKING: Avoid blocking driveways or parking in a way that inconveniences your neighbours.
OFFER ASSISTANCE WHEN NEEDED: Be observant of your neighbours' needs, especially the elderly, the sick, or those with young children, and offer help when appropriate.
RESOLVE DISPUTES PEACEFULLY: If disagreements arise, strive to resolve them amicably through dialogue and understanding, rather than resorting to confrontation or aggression.
TEACH CHILDREN THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPECTING NEIGHBOURS: Instill in our children the values of kindness, respect, and consideration for those living around us.
PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY INITIATIVES: Engage in activities that promote unity and cooperation within the neighbourhood.
MAKE DUA (SUPPLICATION) FOR YOUR NEIGHBOURS: Pray for their well-being and happiness.
THE IDEAL ISLAMIC NEIGHBOURHOOD:
The ideal Islamic neighbourhood is one characterized by mutual respect, compassion, cooperation, and a strong sense of community. It is a place where individuals feel safe, supported, and valued, regardless of their background or circumstances. This vision can only be realized when each member of the community actively strives to fulfill their obligations towards their neighbours, guided by the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah.
Finally, O servants of Allah! The rights of the neighbour in Islam are not mere social etiquette; they are a sacred trust, a fundamental aspect of our faith that reflects the interconnectedness of our community and the importance of compassion and justice in our interactions. Let us strive to emulate the teachings of the Quran and the example of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in our dealings with our neighbours, both near and distant, Muslim and non-Muslim. Let us cultivate relationships based on kindness, respect, and mutual support, thereby strengthening the fabric of our society and earning the pleasure of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala.
May Allah grant us the understanding and the ability to fulfill the rights of our neighbours in the best possible manner, and may He make our communities places of peace, harmony, and compassion.
Ameen
