Rights of neighbors

It is obligatory on everyone to mutually practice rights of neighbors as well. now, who are neighbors?    Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us that a “neighbor” is not just the one next door but includes all those up to forty houses in all directions, which effectively means an entire neighborhood.

A Muslim is ought to keep up great relations with his relatives, yet he is not allowed to unjustifiably support them over others. Further, a Muslim must regard his neighbors, regardless of their religion.

According to a hadees;

“An Ansar (emigrant) came to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and said that he has recently purchased a house in a particular area and that his nearest person was such that he had no hope of any goodness from him and that he felt unsafe from his mischief. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) told Imam Ali (as), Salman Al-Farsi, Abu Zar Ghaffari and Miqdad ibn Aswad to go to the Mosque and announce: “He is not a believer whose neighbor is unsafe from his mischief.” They announced it thrice and then to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) pointed towards forty doors to his right and forty to the left indicating that forty houses in every direction constitute one’s neighborhood. One is obliged to observe their rights.”

In Islam neighbors have 4 basic rights:

1. He mustn’t harm his neighbor
2. Should protect his neighbor from people or forces trying to hurt him.
3. To maintain good relationship with his neighbors.
4. To be forgiving and sincere with his neighbors.

Be gentle and caring for your neighbors as Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu‐alayhi‐wa‐sallam) said that;

He is not a believer whose neighbor is not safe from his annoyance.

A person once asked Rasulullah (sallallahu‐alayhi‐wa‐sallam),

“What are the rights of a neighbor?”

The reply was:

1. He should be granted a loan upon request.
2. His invitation should be accepted.
3. He should be visited when ill.
4. He should be assisted upon request.
5. He should be consoled when he suffers any loss.
6. He should be congratulated upon a happy occasion.
7. His funeral should be attended.
8. His home and family should be cared for in his absence.
9. A high building should not be constructed without his permission

 

Yahya related to me from Malik from Said ibn Abi Said al-Maqburi from Abu Shurayh al-Kabi that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said,

“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or be silent. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be generous to his neighbour. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should be generous to his guest. His welcome is for a day and a night, and his hospitality is for three days. Whatever is more than that is sadaqa. It is not halal for a guest to stay with a man until he becomes a burden.” – Malik (Al-Muwatta, Volume 49, Number 22)

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