In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate
Assalaamu alaykum
Dear Friends
I pray that you are well.
We are living in a society where very few people are concerned for others. People are scared of one another. They may see someone screaming, "Help! Help!" Very few of the pedestrians or watchers may be willing to help. Neighbors may not know each other, even those who live in the same building or next door. A neighbor lost his motorcycle parked outside, but no one cares -- "Not my motorcycle!" A neighbor may scream, "Help! Help!" but very few, if any, may be interested to help. Each one is looking out for himself only. SubhanAllah.
Having good neighbors is a great blessing. Without having good neighbors, people will have a miserable life. If you want to live in peace and harmony in your home, you should choose a good neighborhood in a good society. Know who your potential neighbors when you look for a new home to move into.
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said, "Among the happiness of a Muslim is a good neighbor, and wide house, and a relaxing transportation..." [Ahmad & Al-Hakim]
Allah informed us that neighbors are important segments in the society. Accordingly, Allah commanded us to be good to our neighbors. Allah associated them with categories of parents, relatives, orphans, poor and needy.
وَٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًٔا ۖ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا وَبِذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْجَارِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْجَارِ ٱلْجُنُبِ وَٱلصَّاحِبِ بِٱلْجَنۢبِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا ﴿٣٦[Qur'an, An-Nisa 4:36]
Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, 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. (36)
Narrated by Abi Shuraih Al-Khuza'i that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement, let him do good to his neighbor..." [Muslim]
Whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims, they are to be taken care of in the best manner.
Our beloved Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam explained to us how to be good to our neighbors.
Narrated by Ibn Umar and Aisha (radhiAllahu anhuma) saying that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "Angel Jibril advised me continuously to take care of the neighbor till I thought that Allah is to make him an inheritor."
Narrated by Abu Zarr Al-Ghaffari saying that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "O Abu Zarr! Whenever you cook food, increase its contents, and take care of your neighbors." [Muslim]
"The rights of the neighbor is that, when he is sick you visit him; when he dies, you go to his funeral; when he is poor you lend him (money); when he is in need, you protect him; when he is in happiness, you congratulate him; when he is struck with a calamity, you console him; don't raise your building above his to cut off the wind from him; don't harm him with the good smell of your food unless you let him have part of it." [Tabarani]
"Neighbor is before the house, the companion is before traveling, and the food supply is before departure." [Al-Khatib]
In another Hadith, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam informed us that the best person is the one who is good to his neighbors.
Narrated by Ibn Umar radhiAllahu anhu that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam) said: "The best friend in the sight of Allah is the one who is good to his companions; and the best neighbor in the sight of Allah is the one who is good to his neighbors." [Tirmidhi]
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam warned those who do harm to their neighbors.
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah radhiAllahu anhu saying that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam) said: "He will not enter paradise, the one whose neighbor is not safe of him." [Muslim]
In another hadith, narrated by Abu Hurayrah saying that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "In the name of Allah, he is not a believer, In the Name of Allah, he is not a believer, In the Name of Allah, he is not a believer. They asked him, who is he O Messenger of Allah! He said: It is he whose neighbor is not safe of him." [Agreed]
"He is not believing in me, the one who sleeps full while his neighbor is hungry." [Al-Bazar]
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah saying that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wassallam said: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement should not harm his neighbor; whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement should be generous to his guest, and whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgement should say good or keep silent." [Agreed]
Who are your neighbors?
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wassallam explained the physical limits of neighbors:
"Every forty houses are your neighbors: The ones in front of you, the ones from the back, the ones on the right and the ones on the left." [Tahhawi]
If we want a good neighborhood and ultimately a good society, no one can make it for us. We have to make it ourselves, by starting to be a good neighbor ourselves. You should try to get to know all your neighbors. If you can't do this with everyone, at least start with your near neighbors.
May Allah enable us to be good neighbors and grant us good neighbors. Ameen.
Please don't forget us in your night prayers. Jazakallahu khairan.
And Allah knows best.
Wassalaam
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