Islam is a religion that emphasizes the importance of good conduct towards neighbors. In Islam, being good to neighbors is rewarding, highly emphasized, and regarded as one of the most important acts of kindness. Since neighbors are essential to creating a perfect society and because they positively impact individual lives and the well-being of entire communities, Allah has incorporated them into our religious beliefs. Being good to neighbors is considered a highly virtuous act in Islam and is rewarded in this life and the Hereafter.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) stressed the importance of neighborly kindness. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was known to be very kind and generous to his neighbors, and he instructed Muslims to treat their neighbors with kindness and compassion. Ibn ‘Umar and ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Jibril kept recommending treating neighbors with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of the inheritance.” [1]
Being a good neighbor and understanding our responsibility to our neighbors go beyond simply getting along with the people next door. It implies assisting in looking for the whole community, including the underprivileged. As Muslims, we are responsible for helping a member of our community who is in need due to danger, disease, or tragedy (regardless of the neighbor’s origin or religion). The Quran explicitly instructs Muslims to be good to their neighbors, stating:
وَٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًۭٔا ۖ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًۭا وَبِذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْجَارِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْجَارِ ٱلْجُنُبِ وَٱلصَّاحِبِ بِٱلْجَنۢبِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًۭا فَخُورًا
“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” [2]
(Quran 4:36)
Islam views neighbors as an essential part of our lives. This verse highlights the importance of treating our neighbors well and regarding them as an integral part of our community. Hence, being kind, helpful, and supportive towards our neighbors whenever they need us is essential. A neighbor can be anyone living near us, whether they are Muslim or not and whether they share our culture. We must maintain good relationships with our neighbors, and Islam emphasizes this point over and over again. It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“O Abu Hurairah, be cautious, and you will be the most devoted of people to Allah. Be content, and you will be the most grateful of people to Allah. Love for people what you love for yourself, and you will be a (true) believer. Be a good neighbor to your neighbors, and you will be a (true) Muslim. And laugh little, for laughing a lot deadens the heart.” [3]
Being good to neighbors strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood in our community and reflects an individual’s faith in Islam. Moreover, in Islam, being good to neighbors is not limited to helping them in times of need. This honor can manifest itself in many ways, such as sharing food and resources or simply being friendly and respectful towards one another. It also means being considerate towards them in all aspects of daily life, such as being mindful of their privacy, respecting their property, and refraining from causing them harm or annoyance.
Abu Shuraih Al-Adawi narrated:
My ears heard, and my eyes saw the Prophet (ﷺ) when he spoke:
“Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day, should serve his neighbor generously, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should serve his guest generously by giving him his reward.” It was asked. “What is his reward, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)?” He said, “(To be entertained generously) for a day and a night with high quality of food and the guest has the right to be entertained for three days (with ordinary food) and if he stays longer, what he will be provided with will be regarded as Sadaqa (a charitable gift). And anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet (i.e. abstain from all kinds of dirty and evil talks).” [4]
Thus, it is providing materialistic support to our neighbors, speaking to them kindly, and offering a helping hand when needed. We should be patient and tolerant of our neighbor’s weaknesses and mistakes and always strive to maintain a peaceful and harmonious relationship with them.
Additionally, Islam emphasizes the importance of showing kindness towards neighbors even if they are not kind to us. Narrated Abu Shuraih: The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!” It was said, “Who is that, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)?” He said, “That person whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil.” [5]
Therefore, being good to neighbors is an essential part of Islamic teaching. It is a virtue that is rewarded in this life and the Hereafter. Islam teaches us to be considerate towards our neighbors and to treat them with kindness and respect, regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or background. As Muslims, we have to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and be good to our neighbors at all times.
Fulfill the Rights of Neighbors
Being good to neighbors is highly emphasized in Islam and is considered a virtuous act rewarded in this life and the Hereafter. Here are some of the benefits of being good to neighbors in Islam:
- It strengthens the community:
Being kind to your neighbors promotes more significant ties throughout the neighborhood. We foster a sense of unity and togetherness that may benefit everyone in the area when we are courteous and respectful to our neighbors. Being kind to your neighbors may enhance neighborhood ties and foster community. We build a feeling of community that may benefit everyone in the area when we are courteous and friendly to our neighbors. More collaboration, trust, and social support may result from this, which may be helpful when circumstances are challenging. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded me thus:
“O Abu Dharr! Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and give some of it to your neighbors”. [Muslim].
In another narration of Muslims, narrated by Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him):
My friend, (Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)) advised me saying, “Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and give some to your neighbors and then give them out of this with courtesy.” [6]
- It promotes harmony and peace:
Strong neighborly ties can aid in promoting communal harmony and tranquility. We may lessen tensions and arguments and build a more serene and pleasant environment by treating one another respectfully and kindly. In Islam, being kind to one’s neighbors might lead to additional benefits from Allah. By being friendly and kind to our neighbors, we can draw Allah’s blessings, which have the potential to enrich our lives in a variety of ways. To make this happen, we must be open to compassion and be understanding of our neighbors’ actions, be it as small as lending a pint of salt. Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“O Muslim women! None of you should look down upon the gift sent by her female neighbor even if it were the trotters of the sheep (fleshless part of legs).” [7]
It is clear from this hadith that it matters not the size of the exchange but rather the intention and we must never turn away any gifts from our neighbors, no matter what size or shape it is. At the same time, giving your neighbors gifts is also an act that grants you rewards from Allah. When we assist them, we show our compassion and affection to them, which shows our good conduct for our neighbors. In another hadith, narrated by Aisha:
I said:
“O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! I have two neighbors; which of them should I give a gift to?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “(Give) to the one whose door is nearer to you.” [8]
- It earns the pleasure of Allah:
One of the most significant rewards of being good to neighbors in Islam is the pleasure of Allah. Allah has commanded Muslims to be kind, considerate, and helpful towards their neighbors, and by doing so, Muslims can earn the pleasure of Allah. Abdullah bin Amr narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:
“The companion who is the best to Allah is the one who is best to his companion and the neighbor that is the best to Allah is the one that is best to his neighbor.”[9]
Hence, being good to neighbors is considered a highly virtuous act that earns the pleasure of Allah. When we strive to please Allah by being good to our neighbors, we are rewarded in this life and the Hereafter.
- It leads to the forgiveness of sins:
According to Islamic teachings, being good to neighbors can lead to forgiveness. In Islam, it is believed that being good to neighbors can lead to the forgiveness of sins. Abu Hurairah reported the Messenger of Allah (May peace be upon him) as saying:
“He who believes in Allah and in the last day should honor his guest; he who believes in Allah and in the last day should not harm his neighbor; he who believes in Allah and in the last day should speak well or keep silence.” [10]
This hadith emphasizes the importance of being kind to neighbors to earn forgiveness from Allah.
- It promotes empathy and compassion:
Being good to neighbors helps to promote empathy and compassion towards others. When we are kind and considerate towards our neighbors, we develop a sense of empathy and compassion for them, which can extend to other areas of our lives. With such affections, we tend to share materialistically and emotionally with them to comfort them and invoke Allah’s blessings upon us. This can further be explained by the following hadith that states: Ibn ‘Abbas informed Ibn az-Zubayr:
“I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, ‘He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.'” [11]
- It creates a positive image of Islam:
Being good to neighbors can help to create a positive image of Islam in the community. When non-Muslims see Muslims treating their neighbors with kindness and respect, it can help to dispel negative stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam. Al-Hasan narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said:
“Who will take these statements from me so that he may act upon them or teach the one who will act upon them?” So Abu Hurairah said: “I said: ‘I shall, O Messenger of Allah!’ So he (s.a.w) took my hand and enumerated five (things); he said: “Be on guard against the unlawful, and you shall be the most worshiping among the people, be satisfied with what Allah has allotted for you and you shall be the richest of the people, be kind to your neighbor and you shall be a believer, love for the people what you love for yourself, and you shall be a Muslim. And do not laugh too much, for indeed increased laughter kills the heart.” [12]
From this hadith, we can understand that our Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has always stressed being kind to the neighbors, even while mentioning other ways of earning rewards and being a good Muslim.
- It sets an example for others:
When reasonable to our neighbors, we set an example for others to follow. By showing kindness and consideration towards our neighbors, we inspire others to do the same, creating a positive ripple effect throughout the community.
We must always strive to be good to our neighbors and save them from any harm that comes upon them. However, the reality of many people demonstrates that fundamental rights are being violated, as seen by the possibility that some may not even know who lives next door. Some individuals trample on their neighbors’ rights, betray them, and play fast and loose with their women’s dignity. The worst big sin unquestionably is this one. It was narrated that ‘Abdullah said:
“I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, which sin is most grievous?’ He said: ‘Setting up a rival to Allah while it is He that created you.’ I said: ‘Then what?’ He said: ‘Killing your child so that he will not eat with you.’ I said: ‘Then what?’ He said: ‘Committing adultery with your neighbor’s wife.'” [13]
Lastly, we should be conscious that maintaining these liberties and other freedoms granted by the Sharee’ah is necessary for achieving happiness, unity, and the propagation of love among society’s citizens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being good to neighbors is rewarding and is highly valued in Islam, and benefits individuals and the community. Being good to neighbors in Islam is highly rewarded in this world and the Hereafter. We should never forget that our neighbors are an integral part of our community, and we should strive to treat them with kindness, compassion, and respect. This claim is further strengthened with the hadith: Abdullah bin Amr narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:
“The companion who is the best to Allah is the one who is best to his companion. And the neighbor that is the best to Allah is the one that is best to his neighbor.” [14]
It is clear from the hadith above that we are best in the eyes of Allah if we are best to our neighbors. And to be best to our neighbors is to help ensure we are watchful, sympathetic, and caring neighbors regardless of who might reside in our neighborhoods. May Allah SWT grant us the strength and ability to be good neighbors and give us a helping hand for those in need. Ameen.
Being Good to Neighbors Is Rewarding is a part of our series to learn more about the Islamic teachings of manners and conduct, visit our series Time to Revive and develop the best practices set by the example of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
By Jowairia Shahid
References:
- Riyad as-Salihin 303: Introduction, Hadith 303
- Al-Quran (An-Nisa, 4:36)
- Sunan Ibn Majah 4217: Book 37, Hadith 118
- Sahih al-Bukhari 6019: Book 78, Hadith 50
- Sahih al-Bukhari 6016: Book 78, Hadith 47
- Riyad as-Salihin 304: Introduction, Hadith 304
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2566: Book 51, Hadith 1
- Sahih al-Bukhari 2595: Book 51, Hadith 29
- Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1944: Book 27, Hadith 50
- Sunan Abi Dawud 5154: Book 43, Hadith 382
- Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 112: Book 6, Hadith 0
- Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2305: Book 36, Hadith 2
- Sunan an-Nasa’i 401: Book 37, Hadith 49
- Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1944: Book 27, Hadith 50
