Do we treat our neighbours according to Islamic injunction?

Written by Abdulkadir Badsha Mukhtar

This article was published in Daily Trust, Friday, 21 October 2011 05:00

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“Am I treating my neighbour according to the dictates of Islam?” This is one among many questions a Muslim should be asking himself monthly, quarterly, if not on a daily basis. This is in consideration of what Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught his Sahaba (companion) on how to live with one another, especially with neighbours.

Some Islamic scholars categorize neighbours into three. The first one is a neighbour whom you share three things with him; he is your brother, a Muslim and a neighbour. The second one is a Muslim and a neighbour while the other one is just your neighbour, who is neither a Muslim nor a family relation.

While dealing with these three categories of people, a Muslim must treat them according  to the Islamic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who directed the Sahaba to always be nice to their neighbours.

As narrated by Abu Huraishrah: The Prophet said, “By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!” the Sahaba asked “Who is that, O Allah’s Apostle?” The Prophet said, “That person whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil.”

It is important here to note that in all the hadiths mentioned, the Prophet stated neighbour in brooder perspective, this by interpretation could mean any person,  be it a Muslim or otherwise.

We should notice this warning by Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). He repeated himself thrice, stating that a person has a deep lack of faith if his neighbour fears evil from the person. In other words, one must not be evil or bad to his neighbour, and his neighbour should have no fear of any harm coming to him. Basically, having a healthy relationship and treating neighbours properly is an aspect of faith in Islam.

In another Hadith, the Prophet repeated that “O Muslim ladies! A neighbour should not look down upon the present of her [his] neighbours even it were the hooves of a sheep.”

Going by this Hadith, a Muslim should always extend gestures and gifts even if that gift is not something of great value. This will lead to better relationship and friendship, it will not hurt the feelings of the neighbour who gives the gifts, and it will also lead to humility and modesty.

If we can follow these teachings, the world would be a much better, peaceful and friendly place! The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) was most certainly merciful to mankind as these teachings prove.