Allah Ta'ala says, "And worship Allah, and do not associate anyone with Him and do good to parents, and to relatives and orphans, and the needy, and the near neighbour and the distant neighbour and the companion of your side and the wayfarer." (Surah Nisa, verse 36)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Along with worshipping Him, Allah Ta'ala has ordered us to be good to our parents, relatives, the poor and needy, orphans and our neighbours. We can understand most of these easily but we need to explore the wisdom in the order of being good to our neighbours.
My beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Neighbours are close to us in every way, even closer than our relatives in some respects. Life is full of ups and downs and unpredictable situations and risks can arise anytime. We may need help at any time. If Allah forbid, we face any problem in our house, the one that can be called for help is our neighbour. He will willingly come to help you when you had treated him nicely and had developed terms showing mutual respect, regard, and a feeling of being helpful. It is important for peace and security for yourself and your neighbour.
Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, " I swear in the name of One in Whose custody is my life, the rights of neighbours can be rightly paid by one on whom Allah showers His Mercy. And few among you know about the rights of neighbours.(The rights of neighbours include), Help them in fulfilling their necessities, give them loans, if they are happy greet them, and if they are sad, share their sorrow, if they are sick, visit them to help them and if they die, offer funeral Prayer for them (Namaz e Janaza) and be with them until they are buried." (Tafseer Roohul Bayaan, part 5/page 530)
May Allah Almighty enable us to fulfil the rights of the neighbours. Aameen.
Three Kinds of Neighbours
Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "There are three kinds of neighbours. Some have three rights, some have two rights and some have one right. A neighbour who is a Muslim as well as being a relative has three rights .The right of neighbourhood, the Islamic right and the right of a relative. A neighbour who is a Muslim has two rights, the right of neighbourhood and the right of Islam. the non-Muslim neighbour has only one right, that is the right of a neighbour."
The Companions asked Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam if they could give non-Muslim neighbours a share from the meat of animals that were sacrificed (on Eid). Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam replied, "Do not give any thing from the meat (of sacrificed animal) to the infidels."
Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Do you know who is a poor person?" He then continued, "A poor person among my people is one who will bring Salah, Fasting, Zakat on the day of judgement but on the other hand he had abused his neighbour, and had put blame of adultery on him, had grabbed his things, had injured and beaten him. This person will be given reward for his good deeds but before that his virtues will be distributed to his neighbour who was victimised by this person, if his virtues run out, then the sins of his neighbour will be put in his account and he will be thrown into hell."
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! There is a serious warning for us in the above mentioned Hadith that even if we are very punctual in worship but are not good to our neighbours, our virtues will not reward us and we will not enter Paradise. These issues are to be taken into consideration with grave attention. We are the followers of the Prophet of Mercy sallalaho alaihe wasallam. Keep politeness, kindness and courtesy of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam always in your mind, so that you will be able to refrain from abusive language, cruelty, harshness and rudeness. If we follow the basic aspects of character and habits (Uswa e Hasana) of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam, we will automatically become a good person, a good Muslim and a good neighbour. If we forget the character and habits of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam, it is very difficult and hard to fight Satan and to refrain from using abusive language, controlling anger and mistreating our neighbours. Then we will be prone to follow disliked behaviour and our worship and piety may not be able to save us from the fire of Hell. May Allah Ta'ala save us from such poverty and may we offer the rights of our neighbours sincerely and according to Qur'an and Sunnah. Aameen.
Hazrat Abu Shureh Khuzaee radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "A person who believes in Allah and the day of judgement should take care of his neighbours." (Ibn E Maja)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! In the above-mentioned Hadith, the rights of the neighbours have been mentioned with aspects of faith. Indirectly, we are told that after verbal announcement of believing in Allah Ta'ala, we have to prove our faith practically by fulfilling the rights of our neighbours. It is mainly through your conduct with your neighbours that you introduce your religion, Islam, to the strangers and non-Muslims and show your closeness to Islam by treating your Muslim neighbours politely. We have seen many examples that neighbours of good Muslims embraced Islam.
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Please! Please! Never ever torture or abuse your neighbours. Fear Allah Ta'ala who has warned us through Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam that our worship and noble deeds will not be accepted on the day of judgement if we are not nice to our neighbours. May Allah enable us to follow the teachings of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam. Aameen
Neighbours Right To Inheritance?
Hazrat Ibne Umar radiallaho ta'ala anhuma narrates that Hazrat Aisha Siddiqa radiallaho ta'ala anha narrated that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam told her, "The Angel Jibrael kept on advising me about the rights of the neighbours so much that I started thinking that they will be given a share in inheritance." (Bukhari & Muslim)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The above mentioned Hadith shows that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam realised and understood the importance of fulfilling the rights of neighbours, that is why he thought that they may be given a share in the inheritance, as there is a fixed share for relatives in inheritance. Such thought in the wisest heart of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam indicates the extreme importance of the rights of neighbours. My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Never neglect and ignore the rights of neighbours, lest your minor negligence may become major trouble in the world here after. May Allah bless us with wisdom and the ability to act upon Sunnah. Aameen
Hazrat Mujahid radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates, "I was at the house of Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar radiallaho ta'ala anhuma and was ripping the skin off his goat. He said to me, after finishing cutting the meat, "Go to my Jewish neighbour and give him some share from this meat." I asked, "You are giving a gift to a Jew, May Allah Ta'ala show you the right path." Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar replied, " I have heard about the rights of neighbours so many times that we in feared that they may have a share in our inheritance." (Al Adabul Mufarad)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The most impressive and remarkable quality of Sahaaba E Kiraam is that they were never reluctant or hesitant in following the orders of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam. Notice their natural willingness to obey Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam. The reason behind it was ocean of pure and true love for Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam in their hearts. So what do we need to have a natural willingness to obey Sunnah? We need sincere, pure, unconditional love for Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam in our hearts. May Allah enlighten our hearts with love of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam. Aameen
A Hungry Neighbour and a Believer
Hazrat Abdullah Ibn E Abbas radiallaho ta'ala anhuma narrates that he heard Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam saying. "He is not a believer who fills his stomach but his neighbour sleeps hungry." (Baihiqi, Mishqaat Shareef)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The height of Faith cannot be reached with Namaz and Zakat and Hajj alone. Our conduct and code of action is very important. We have to include our neighbours in our circle of concerns and considerations. We have to maintain healthy ties with them, we have to understand their problems, we have to share their happiness, and we have to take care of them when they are sick. If they are shy or reluctant to ask then help them silently. May Allah enable us to fulfil the rights of the neighbours for the sake of the Prophet of Mercy sallalaho alaihe wasallam. Aameen.
Aroma of Food and Neighbours
Hazrat Abu Zar radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "O Abu Zar! When you cook food, put more soup in it, and take care of your neighbours." (Muslim)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam was so caring for the neighbours, that is why he said to his companion to cook an adequate quantity as his neighbour may come or at least he will be pleased by the aroma of the food and he may come to his house. Islam encourages taking care of each other even through little gestures and treats such as food and its aroma. May Allah Ta'ala enable us to maintain pleasant terms with our neighbours. Aameen.
Neighbours Will Complain
Hazrat Ibn E Umar radiallaho ta'ala anhuma narrates, "We have seen such an era when a Muslim brother was considered most deserving of deenaar (currency), now we are seeing such a span of time when deenaar have become dearer than a Muslim brother. I heard from Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam, "On the day of judgement, there will be many people who will be holding their neighbours and will complain against them that they had left them, they closed their doors upon them and kept them deprived of their generosity and courtesy."(Durr e Manshoor)
Allah o Akbar! Look at the contrast, there was an era when a Muslim brother was given preference over money. Nowadays, we are ready to take the life of a Muslim brother for money. May Allah bless us with wisdom and true understanding of our religion. Fear the time when your neighbours will be complaining against you on the day of judgement. Focus on the pleasure of Allah Ta'ala and Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and realise the rights of neighbours, take care of their needs, keep an eye on them and help them in misery and feed them in hunger. It is our religious responsibility and fulfilment of this responsibility will be rewarded on the day of judgement. May Allah enable us to follow the Sunnah. Ameen
Who is Best in the Sight of Allah Ta'ala
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar radiallaho ta'ala anhuma narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "In front of Allah, the best in friendship is one who is best in relations with their friends, and the best neighbour is one who is best in relations with his neighbours." (Narrated by Tirmizi)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Those that are described as being the best by Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam are indeed the best of people. His friends and neighbours best know a person. If he has good relations with them and treats them well, shares in their happiness and grief, and thinks about their welfare all the time, these friends and neighbours will testify that they have been blessed with such a good friend and neighbour. This kind of person is the best kind of person, of that there is no doubt. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to be the best friends and the best neighbours.
Who is a Neighbour?
It was asked from Hazrat Hasan radiallaho ta'ala anhu, "Who is a neighbour?, he replied, "Forty houses to the left, forty houses to the right, forty houses in front and forty houses behind your house." (Aladabul Mufarad)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Based on this saying we have to have good relations with at least 40 neighbours in all 4 directions. Now that we know this we should try to please them so that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam will be pleased with us. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to fulfil the rights of neighbours. Aameen.
Hazrat Abu Raaf'a radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrated that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "That neighbour that is closer is more deserving." (Bukhari Shareef)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Always keep this thing in mind that the nearest neighbour deserves more. You should take care of them first before the neighbours that are further away. May Allah enable us to take care of our neighbours. Aameen.
One Gift, Two Neighbours
Ummul Mo'mineen Hazrat Aisha radiallaho ta'ala anha narrates, "I asked Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam that I have two neighbours, to whom should I send a gift?" He said, "The one whose door is nearer to your door."(Bukhari Shareef)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! According to the saying of our Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam! We should prefer our nearest neighbour. May Allah enable us to follow all the instructions given to us by Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and May Allah enable us to fulfil the criteria of a good neighbour always, so that we can win the favours of Allah Ta'ala and Rasool Allah sallaho alaihe wassalam. Aameen.
The First Trial
Hazrat Uqbah Bin Aamir radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "The first people to present arguments and disagreements on the day of judgement will be two neighbours." (Ahmed)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The atmosphere on the day of judgement will be frightening. Everyone is on their own, no one will help another, there will be shortage of good deeds, all will be trembling at the Wrath of Allah Ta'ala. In this environment the first dispute presented will be between two neighbours. If we have tormented or troubled our neighbours, just imagine the worries we will have to face? Therefore seek forgiveness for these things today and remember, the sins relating to not fulfilling peoples rights will not be forgiven by Allah Ta'ala until the person that you have wronged forgives you. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to be united. Aameen
Measuring stick for goodness and evil
Hazrat Ibn E Mas'ood radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that once a person came to Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and asked, "How can I know whether I have done good or evil?" Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam replied, "When you hear your neighbour saying that you have done good, it means you did good, when you hear your neighbour saying you have misbehaved, it means you misbehaved." (Ibn e Majah)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! When Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam has declared that judgement of your virtues and vice depends upon the opinion of your neighbour, we should ensure that we receive the seal of approval from our neighbours. This will only be possible if our dealings with them are proper and we fulfil their rights. May Allah Ta'ala guide us to be kind and respectful towards our neighbours. Aameen.
That Person is Not a Believer
Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "By Allah, he is not a believer, by Allah, he is not a believer? The companions of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam asked, "Ya Rasool Allah! Who is not a believer?" He Replied, "One from whose tortures his neighbour is not safe." (Bukhari Shareef)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! It is a criterion of being a believer that we should be nice, gentle and helpful to our neighbours. If we will not do so, we cannot remain in the circle of faith. So this responsibility is our religious duty and an aspect of our faith. We have to ensure that our neighbours are not troubled by us, and that by living next to us, they feel safe and secure. We will definitely receive a great reward if our neighbours are happy. May Allah Ta'ala enable us to understand and follow Islam that teaches the golden rules of neighbourhood. Aameen
War with Allah Ta'ala
The Master of all the worlds, Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "One who troubles his neighbour troubles me, and one who troubles me troubles Allah Ta'ala, and one fights with his neighbour fights with me, and one who fights with me fights with Allah Ta'ala." (Al Targheebul Tarheeb)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Who amongst us will dare fight with Allah Ta'ala and His Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam? None of us can even think about anything like that. The reality is that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam has said that one who troubles and fights with his neighbour is doing exactly that. We should refrain from these things or we will be guilty of grieving Allah Ta'ala and Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam. May AllahTa'ala guide us all. Aameen.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrated that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "One who believes in Allah Ta'ala and on the day of judgement should not maltreat his neighbours." (Bukhari and Muslim)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Again, we see the rights of neighbours are linked with basic aspects of faith. Our faith cannot be complete if we do not believe in the day of judgement. And if we are believers we have to fulfil the rights of our neighbours as we are told in many Ahadith. We will be questioned regarding our neighbours. If we want success on the day of judgement we must be good to our neighbours. Only those that do not fear the Wrath of Allah Ta'ala would tease and torment their neighbours. Remember the frightening reality of the day of judgement and be faithful and kind to your neighbours. May Allah Ta'ala make the day of judgement and the hereafter easy for us all. Aameen.
Will Not Enter Paradise
Hazrat Anas radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "A person will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not safe from his mischief." (Muslim Shareef)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The Last and Final Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam defined the laws of entering Paradise. No one can change or alter it. We have to mould our character in the pattern of the Sunnah. All of us want to go to Paradise but how many of us think about the small and large requirements of entering Paradise? It is never too late. Even if we realise it now, we can be on the safe side. Start realising the importance of the rights of the neighbours and treat them with honour, respect and kindness. May Allah Ta'ala enable us to do so. Aameen
A Regular Worshipper Doomed to Hell
Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that once a person came to Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and said, "There is a woman who is very punctual and regular in offering Salat, Fasting, and giving charity but she hurts her neighbours with her tongue." Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, 'She is a dweller of Hell".
Then a person asked, "There is woman who is not very regular in offering Salat or keeping fast or giving Zakat and she gives charity of pieces of cheese but she does not tease her neighbour with her tongue," Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam replied, "She is dweller of Paradise." (Ahmed Baihiqi)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! This saying of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wassalam draws our attention towards some very important points. Firstly, most of us consider fulfilling the rights of Allah Ta'ala alone as the criteria for entering Paradise. In the above-mentioned Hadith, it has been made clear that worship (meaning voluntary, Nafil worship) will count for nothing if we mistreat our neighbours. Our identity as Muslims should be that our neighbours feel safe and secure living beside us, and are never troubled by us.
A true Muslim inspires with the vital force of character as in history Muslims enlightened the hearts of their neighbours and took them from the dark valley of infidelity to the enlightened circle of Islam. Unfortunately, we have forgotten our sacred teachings and we are paying the price of this negligence. Please think, it makes no difference if most of us are regular in worship but our neighbours are not safe from our torture. Then we are nothing but a crowd destined to Hell. Astaghfirullah! May Allah save all of us from the fires of Hell and may He give us the strength to fulfil the rights of neighbours. Aameen.
Signs of the Day of Judgement
Hazrat Abu Musa radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, 'The Doomsday will not come until people will kill their neighbours, brothers and fathers." (Aladabul Mufarad)
My Beloved Prophet Muhammad sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! May Allah keep us on the right path. May Allah bless us with a burial place in Madinah before the arrival of such cruel times when people will kill their relatives and neighbours.
Hazrat Abu Aamir Hamsi radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates, "Hazrat Sobaan radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that if any two persons boycott their relations more than three days, if one of them or both die ,both of them will suffer catastrophe in the world hereafter. And if a person tortures his neighbour to the extent that he is forced to leave his residence, such person will also suffer punishment in the world hereafter."(Aladabul Mufarad)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! It is very common nowadays to see that a person is so cruel to his neighbour that the neighbour is forced to move away. If a neighbour is forced to change his residence because of the tortures of his neighbour, such a cruel act is greatly disliked by Allah. Whatever Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam has said will certainly happen. So we should teach others and ourselves how to fulfil the rights of the neighbours. May Allah give us strength to follow the Sunnah. Aameen.
Hazrat Imam Hasan radiallalaho ta'ala anhu and his neighbours
The neighbour of Hazrat Imam Hasan radiallaho ta'ala anhu was a Jew. The wall of the Jew's house had a cleft that widened to a cleavage and the garbage of his house started gathering at Hazrat Imam Hasan radiallalaho ta'ala anhu's house. The Jews wife told her husband about the situation and the Jew went to Hazrat Imam Hasan radiallalaho ta'ala anhu to apologise and asked the Imam why he had not complained about the situation.. Hazrat Imam Hasan radiallalaho ta'ala anhu said to him, "My maternal grandfather has said, "Respect your neighbour and never hurt him with any kind of trouble." As soon as the Jewish person heard these words, he embraced Islam. (Haqooqul Ibaad, Allama Alam Faqri)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees ! It is one thing to know about the rights of neighbours, it is another to fulfil them. The grandson of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam knew the rights of neighbours and fulfilled them by his actions. You have seen what affect this had. Allah Ta'ala blessed the Jewish person with the great blessing of Iman. We claim to be lovers of the grandsons of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam, if only we would follow their teachings and act like they acted. If we did this, Muslims would not be hated by everyone, but would be loved. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all. Aameen.
Sultan Ba Yazeed and the Neighbour
Once upon a time Hazrat Ba Yazeed Bustaami rehmatullahe alaihe could not sleep at all throughout the night as there was a baby constantly crying next door. He had a very soft and sympathetic heart and the helpless crying of a small baby made him so restless that he kept on waiting impatiently for the sun to rise, and just after the appearance of the morning light, , he went to the his neighbour's house and knocked on the door. A lady replied from the house that there was no male member in the house. Hazrat Ba Yazeed rehmatullah alaihe introduce himself and asked about the reason for baby crying. She told him that her husband was away on business and had been gone for a number of months. It was her newborn baby who was crying as he was scared of darkness and there was no oil for the lamp and no helper to buy oil from the market. Moreover, she was short of money too.
Sultan-ul-Aarifeen Hazrat Ba Yazeed rehmatullah alaihe went to the Masjid to offer Fajar prayers and after that he bought all the necessities for his neighbour. Every evening he used to buy oil and would wait to make sure that there was sufficient oil for the lamp in the woman's house. When the husband (who was Jewish), came back from his journey, he was thinking that his wife might have suffered a lot in his absence but he was so surprised and pleased to see his wife and baby in comfort and ease. After finding out that his Muslim neighbour had helped them, he went to Hazrat Ba Yazeed alaihir rahmah's house to express his gratitude. Sultan Ul Aarafeen, Hazrat Ba Yazeed rehmatullah alaihe said, "No my dear! There is no need of paying gratitude, I have just performed my duty and if I would not have done so, I would be a sinner according to my religion."
After hearing this, the Jew took hold of Hazrat Ba Yazeed's hand and begged, "Please let me enter into such a protective and true religion which has made you such a marvellous human being, hide me under the shawl of this religion and let me recite your Kalima e Tayyaba." Thus, the Jew embraced Islam.
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Such was the forceful character of the friends of Allah (Auliya e Kiraam). Look at the way Sultan-ul-Aarifeen (King of Mystics) dealt with a Jewish neighbour. We do not treat our Muslim neighbours and relatives with this kind of care and consideration. How will people become familiar with the beauty of Islam if we continue in this manner? It is critical that we adopt the habits of the friends of Allah Ta'ala. A poet has said so beautifully and the words are so true,
Neither with the books, nor from the doorstep of colleges
Religion get absorbed in you by the enlightening vision of the saints
May Allah Ta'ala enable us to follow the footsteps of the saints. Aameen
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