Holy Prophet’s sayings regarding neighborhood
Hazrat Muhammad (may Allah’s mercy be on him) is the most loved person by Muslims all around the globe. He has earned respect and honest by every individual. The lessons taught by him are held very dear Muslims all around the world consider him the example to follow in their worship of God and in their dealings with others.
Islam preaches kindness, love and politeness towards families, relatives and even neighbors. He highly advised that neighbors are like your brothers and deserve kind treatment regardless of their cast, color, religion and beliefs. He urged that like every other relations, Islam has emphasized on the rights of neighbors. Hazrat Aisha (wife of last prophet) stated that angel Jibaril insisted that Allah’s beloved prophet understands the due importance of neighbors rights. Prophet Muhammad said that at one stage he thought the angel Gabriel would bestow inheritance rights on neighbors such was his insistence on their kind and fair treatment. It is clearly stated in Holy Quran:
“Worship God and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet). Verily, God does not like such as are proud and boastful.”
Through various verses in Quran Allah Almighty has sent messages about the importance of neighborhood. It is advised that Muslims should take care of their neighbors, keep good and smooth relations with them and never speak ill of them. The importance of this relationship can be understood by the fact that Allah Almighty has associated it with other essential family groups including relatives, parents, spouse and children. In Surah An-Nisa Allah says:
“Serve God, and join not any partners with Him; and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and what your right hands posses: for God loves not the arrogant, the vainglorious.” [4:36]
Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever believes in God and the Last Day, let him not harm or annoy his neighbors” Hence Islam emphasis on the importance of neighborhood and advise its followers to fulfill the rights of neighbors and keep them fed, clothed and happy at times of unfortunate conditions.
