The Sunday Mail
Umari Stambuli Holy Qur’aan Speaks —
Apart from a man’s parents, children and close relatives, there also exists a permanent association between him and his neighbours. We cannot afford to ignore the fact that our neighbourhoods comprise of diverse people.
The Islamic teachings of observing due right towards neighbours are highlighted to build good community relations. The state of association one has with the neighbours – be it good or otherwise – has a great influence on his life and morals.
In the Holy Qur’aan, Allah Almighty declares: “Serve Allah and join not any partners with Him. And be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are related, neighbours who are strangers …” (Chapter 4:36) One can easily see the importance of neighbours as The Almighty Himself declares the need to be kind to them.
It is worth noting that The Almighty lists the categories in the order of the bonds of relation that we have as well as the need that others have.
The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) attached great importance to the rights of neighbours and constantly urged the Believers to pay due regard to their rights, to the extent that he declared good neighbourliness to be part of Faith and an essential requisite for salvation.
Three categories of neighbours
The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) taught mankind that there are three kinds of neighbours. Firstly, the neighbour who enjoys only one right (and as far as rights are concerned) he is of the lowest grade. Secondly, the one who enjoys two rights and thirdly the neighbour who enjoys three rights.
The neighbour with only one right is the one who whom one has no family ties, with neither does he/she belong to the same faith/religion. This neighbour has certain basic rights though he is regarded as the being of the lowest grade.
The neighbour with two rights is the one who is not related to the person but is of the same faith/religion. Thirdly, the neighbour with the three rights is the one who is of the same faith/religion and is also related to the person: he/she has a claim as a neighbour, as a fellow member in faith and as a relative.
It is significant to note that as far as the fundamental rights of the neighbour are concerned, no distinction was made between the three categories.
This they all have a basic right and claim upon the neighbour, thereafter if there are any further matters of commonality or relationship, the rights will be more.
Rights of neighbours
The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) explained that the commandments from Allah concerning the rights of neighbours were revealed to him frequently with particular emphasis on the need to be kind and courteous with such force and regularity that he thought that the neighbour also will be made an heir ie just as parents, children and near relatives inherit the property left by the deceased, he thought that the neighbour, too, will be given a share in it.
This is indeed very touching to note that so much emphasis had been placed on and so many reminders were given about the need to observe good and kind treatment to the neighbour that the feeling arose that the neighbour may well be declared as an heir in the wealth and property of the fellow neighbour!
If we ponder upon this carefully, we will realise that this is not merely to state a fact, but rather it is most effective way of highlighting the importance of the neighbour to the faithful believers.
Importance of good treatment
The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Final Day (Day of Judgement) it is essential that he does not harm his neighbours, and whoever believes in Allah and the Final Day it is essential for him to entertain his guest with kindness and generosity and whoever believes in Allah and the Final Day it is essential that he speak what is good or otherwise remain silent.”
Amongst other points, The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) explains that it is essential for the True Believer to be mindful of his neighbours at all times so that he does not harm them. If we take this from another angle we can as well state that one who is not mindful in this regard cannot claim to have sincere belief in The Almighty nor in the Final Day (Day of Judgement).
This particular teaching also gives us an idea of the value placed on the rights of neighbours by the Prophet of Islam (pbuh). In another Prophetic declaration, he said “By Allah, he is not a true Believer, By Allah, he is not a true Believer, By Allah, he is not a true Believer (three times).
He was asked ‘Who?’ Upon which he replied, ‘The one whose neighbours do not feel secure from his mischief and evil.’” The construction and manner of the declaration shows how agitated the Prophet (pbuh) must have been when he made it.
The essence contained in this declaration is that the person whose character is such that his neighbours expect nothing but evil from him and they live in fear of being hurt or harmed, cannot be regarded as a true and faithful Believer.
Whilst he may profess faith by tongue, his actions and deeds portray otherwise and that is rather hypocritical. So a true Believer is one who is such that his neighbours are at ease with him and are safe from any/all of his evil and harm.
To be continued
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:
Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars
Publications Department
PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel: 04-614078/614004, Fax: 04-614003
e-mail: [email protected]
