Love Your Neighbour

[ummtaalib]

“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 Islãm (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was not witnessed before in any other system of law. He set up positive rules in the jurisprudence of Islãm 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’ãla declared in the Qur’ãn; “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’hãbus 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 Islãm (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “One whose neighbour is not safe from his troubles shall not enter paradise.” (Muslim).

 

Islãm 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 Mãjah).

 

Islãm 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.” (Bukhãri/Muslim).

 

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “When you cook broth, increase its water and give it to your neighbours.” (Muslim).

 

Once Sayyidinah Ã’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.” (Bukhãri).

 

These Ahãdith 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’ãla grant us all the guidance to understand the beautiful teaching’s of Islãm, and the ability to act upon them. Ameen.

 

AHÃDITH ON NEIGHBOURS

¨ Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “Sayyidinah Jibra’eel so persistently advised me for the fair treatment of the neighbour that I thought he (the neighbour) will be declared as heir of his neighbour.” (Bukhãri/Muslim).

 

¨ Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “He is not a believer who takes his meals to his fill but his neighbour, by his side, remains hungry.” (Mishkãt).

 

¨ Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “Whoso desires that Allah and His Messenger (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) love him, should speak the truth, return the trust to its owner safe and sound and treat his neighbours well.” (Mishkãt).

 

¨ Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said; “The first case of the two opposing persons to be presented before Allah on the Day of Judgment will be of two neighbours.” (Mishkãt).

 

ATTARBIYAH ATTARBIYAH

ISLÃMIC TARBIYAH ACADEMY

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