Food For Thought (EP 5): A Muslim’s Duties towards His Neighbour

Omer Arif

The Prophet ﷺsaid: “Jibril advised me continuously to take care of the neighbour till I thought that Allah is to make him an inheritor.” This popular hadith recorded in Al-Bukhari shows the eminent position of one’s neighbour in the Islamic culture. Consequently, it is important for a Muslim to learn and carry out the obligations and etiquettes tied to neighbourliness.

Greetings are essential in Islam. The Prophet ﷺsaid: “Shall I tell you about something which when you do it you will love one another? Spread salaam among yourselves.” If greetings are this important, undoubtedly, the neighbour is more deserving of them. In another word, a Muslim should greet his neighbours and return their greetings.

A Muslim should always seek to benefit his neighbour. He should not hurt him with his words or deeds, because the Prophet ﷺsaid: “The best among you is the one who doesn't harm others with his tongue and hands”. Therefore, a Muslim shouldnot disturb his neighbours or do things that will distress them. He should also admonish his children to observe these rights too.

One of the attributes of good neighbourliness is admonishing one’s neighbour and encouraging him to do good deeds. A Muslim should invite his neighbour to his celebrations and also honour his invitations, except if they are haram. He should visit him when he is sick and take care of his needs.

A Muslim should call his neighbour for solah. He should make dua for him and wish for him what he wishes for himself. He should smile at him sincerely for the Prophet ﷺsaid: “Your smile for your brother is charity.”

 Considering these obligations and etiquettes, a Muslim should know that it is important to choose a good neighbour for himself.