Responsibilities Regarding Neighbors
…”With regard to one’s neighbours, the view of the Quran is unique in the history of religion and morality. It is generally considered that a neighbour is a person who lives next door or nearby; however, the Qur’an says that a neighbour is of three types: First , someone who is one’s neighbour and also one’s relative. The Quranic words used are الْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَى and it is mentioned the foremost. It means that among other neighbours, he is more worthy of kind treatment. Second , someone who is not one’s relative, yet he is one’s neighbour. The words used are الْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ ( unfamiliar neighbour ). This unfamiliarity can be on the basis of being a relative and also on the basis of having a different religion. After a neighbour who is a relative, comes this neighbour. Third , a person who accompanies us in travel or while being stationed somewhere. الصَّاحِبِ بِالجَنْبِ are the words used for such a person. Muslims have been directed to treat him kindly too the way other neighbours should be. Following are the narratives of the Prophet (sws) regarding this treatment: Abu Shurayh (rta) narrates from the Prophet (sws): “ By God! He shall not be a believer; by God! He shall not be a believer.” People asked: “Who? O Messenger of God!” The Prophet said: “A person whose neighbour is not secure from his mischief .” [18] He also narrates from the Prophet (sws): “ He who believes in God and in the Hereafter should respect his neighbour .” [19] ‘A’ishah (rta) reports from the Prophet (sws): “ Gabriel emphasized upon me the rights of a neighbour so much that I thought that soon he would make him a share holder in the inheritance [of a person] .” [20] Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (rta) says that the Prophet (sws) advised: “ O Abu Dharr! When you cook curry, add extra water to it and remain aware about your neighbours .” [21] Abu Hurayrah (rta) said that the Prophet (sws) similarly advised women and said: “ Muslim Women! No one should consider a gift to a lady who lives in the neighbourhood to be meagre even though it may be the hoof of a goat .” [22] “… (Excerpt from Meezan: Javed Ahmed Ghamidi) (Translated by Dr. Shehzad Saleem) ____________________________ [18] . Al-Bukhari, Al-Jami‘ al-sahih, 1052, (no. 6016). [19] . Ibid., 1052, (no. 6019). [20] . Al-Bukhari, Al-Jami‘ al-sahih, 1052, (no. 6014); Muslim, Al-Jami‘ al-sahih, 1144-1145, (no. 6685). [21] . Muslim, Al-Jami‘ al-sahih, 1145, (no. 6688). [22] . Al-Bukhari, Al-Jami‘ al-sahih, 1052, (no. 6017)