HOW TO LIVE
WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS
Living as Muslims in a multi-
cultural, multi-religious, multi-
ethnic society, it is more than likely
we find ourselves surrounded by
neighbours of differing background,
religions and beliefs. Our treatment
of these neighbours will most
certainly be a reflection on the
kind of individual we are, and more
so what kind of Muslim we are.
It is no doubt that we all strive
our hardest to be the best person
we can be, especially during the
blessed month of Ramadhan, but
striving not only means being a
better person inwardly, but also
outwardly in our dealings with our
families and particularly with those
who we call our neighbours. It is no
surprise that the best human being
who ever lived, Muhammad (SAW),
was yet another shining example in
showing us exactly how we must live
with and treat our neighbours, no
matter who they are, or what their
circumstances in life may be.
Prophet Muhammad was sent at a
time when not only were the people
misguided in their religious beliefs,
but also in the social fabric of the
society and the way they treated one
another. The gentle, caring, merciful
nature of Prophet Muhammad
(SAW) was a breath of fresh air
among the people in the society he
lived, bringing them out from the
darkness of evil and oppression into
the light of guidance and mercy. His
teachings were not only meant for
the people of pre-Islamic Arabia
but transcends all times and people
showing us how to live justly and
kindly with our families and also
with our neighbours.
“ And We have not sent you,
[O Muhammad], except as a
mercy to the worlds.” (Surah
Al Anbiya’: 107)
It is important to note that as
Muslims, the rights of neighbours
have been enjoined upon us by
Allah, showing how important these
relationships are meant to be. Allah
says,
“Serve Allah and join not any
partners with Him; and do
good- to parents, kinsfolk,
orphans, those in need,
neighbours who are near,
neighbours who are strangers,
the companion by your side,
the wayfarer (you meet).”
(Surah Al-Nisaa’, 4: 36).
Kind treatment to neighbours means
more than just saying “Salaam” or
asking how you are going. It goes
beyond that in many ways. Our
neighbours’ rights over us require
that we take care of their needs,
visit them when in times of need
Sunnah Revival
and sickness and safeguarding from
harming them by our own hands and
tongues.
It is narrated on the authority
of Abu Huraira that the
Messenger of Allah (may
peace and blessing be upon
him) observed:
He will not enter Paradise
whose neighbour is not secure
from his wrongful conduct.
(Sahih Muslim : 46)
It is not befitting us as Muslims to
betray another Muslim especially
when it comes to or neighbours.
The sanctity of marriage is highly
regarded in the Eyes of Allah and
therefore part of being a good,
honourable neighbour and a
believing Muslim is taking care not
to dishonour that.
Narrated Abdullah: I asked the
Prophet, “What is the greatest
sin in the Sight of Allah?” He
said, “That you set up a rival
unto Allah though He Alone
created you.” I said, “That
is indeed a great sin.” Then
asked, “What is next?” He said,
“To kill your son lest he should
share your food with you.”
I asked, “What is next?” He
said, “To commit illegal sexual
intercourse with the wife of
your neighbour.” – (Sahih
Ihsaan | Issue 3 | 35