Our religion obliges all Muslims to have a kind and respectful attitude towards all the creatures of Allah. The rules of this relationship are based on the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. For a more in-depth study of the rules of behavior of a Muslim, there is a science – Ahlyak (ethics). Islamic ethics is the moral and ethical basis and moral guide for every Muslim.
The Holy Quran says:
“Worship the One Lord and serve no one but Him, show kindness to your parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, relatives who live in the neighborhood, neighbors who are not your relatives, to associates, guests and travelers who meet you and are in need … Truly Allah does not love the haughty and boastful” (Sura 4, verse 36).
Good treatment of neighbors is considered the duty of the believer, no matter who his neighbor is. The Quran obliges to have a good attitude, and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) is a vivid example of virtue towards all the creatures of Allah Almighty.
There are several rules that a Muslim should observe in relation to his neighbors:
1. Treat well.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
“Jibril did not stop instructing me on the need for a good relationship with a neighbor (for so long) that I even thought that he would include him among the heirs” (al-Bukhari, Muslim, at-Tirmidhi).
A good attitude can include a simple greeting, a smile when you meet, even just holding the elevator or the door will be a small gesture of friendliness. Respect for personal space and the privacy of neighbors is also a good attitude. You should not eavesdrop on their conversations, peep and follow. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
“If a person overhears the conversation of people who do not like his deed, then on the day of resurrection his ears will be filled with molten lead” (al-Bukhari).
2. Take care.
“Do not consider even the smallest good deed insignificant! Even if you can’t do anything, at least smile when you meet your brother in faith! If you bought meat or cooked food, then pour more water to give something to your neighbor!” (at-Tirmizi, At’ima).
Ibn ‘Abbas is reported to have said:
“I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “He is not a believer who is satisfied while his neighbor (remains) hungry”” (al-Bukhari, at-Tabarani).
Pious Muslims often cook with the expectation of “treating the neighbors.” Most Muslim nations have a tradition of inviting neighbors and relatives when an animal is slaughtered. It is important to help and support each other. This can be done by sharing groceries or giving food, even helping out with work or clothes. It would be desirable to visit a neighbor if he is ill.
3. Do no harm.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) exclaimed:
“By Allah, he will not believe, by Allah, he will not believe, by Allah, he will not believe!” (He) was asked: “Who, O Messenger of Allah?” He said: “That (person) whose neighbor is not safe from his evil.”
“Let the one who believes in Allah and the Last Day do not harm his neighbor, and let the one who believes in Allah and the Last Day give a good welcome to his guest, and let the one who believes in Allah and the Last Day says something good or keeps silent.
The most common harm is caused by neighbors in apartment buildings. Good hearing can bring discomfort (loud conversations, repairs, music, etc.). There are many reasons for conflicts between neighbors in the private sectors as well. If your neighbors bring you discomfort, then you need to be patient and solve the problem peacefully, as a Muslim should do in all his affairs.
And in order to avoid such problems, it is worth initially building good relations with neighbors. In this case, they will also respect your rights, and if you inadvertently cause them discomfort, they will be much more lenient about this.
4. Give gifts.
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“O Muslim women! Let not a single woman refuse to give her neighbor something, considering it a trifle, even if it is a sheep’s leg. (al-Bukhari, Muslim, at-Tirmizi).
Gifts can be even the most insignificant. Someone can bring gifts to the table, souvenirs from a trip or a rattle for a child.
Unfortunately, the traditions of good neighborly relations have long been forgotten in modern society. And some Muslims simply adjust to the established norms, forgetting about the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. However, there are those who practice the sunnah even in non-Muslim society. This is a very interesting relationship. Different faiths live in respect and tolerance towards each other. On Eid al-Adha, Muslims bring meat and sweets to neighbors, and on Easter, neighbors bring Easter cakes and eggs to Muslims.
The honor and chastity of women from the neighbor’s family should be respected. In the absence of a man at home, do not allow communication with a neighbor unless absolutely necessary.
A good neighbor is a gift from God. A bad neighbor can be one of the most difficult challenges in this life. In his supplications to Allah Almighty, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
“O Allah! Verily, I seek refuge in You from a bad neighbor; from a wife who will make me gray before my time; from a child who will become master over me; from property that will become a torment for me; and from an insidious friend, whose eye sees me, but his heart lies in wait: if he sees something good in me, he hides it, and if he sees something bad in me, he tells it. (at-Tabarani).
Compliance with the rules of Islamic ethics is considered the basis for the formation of good relations in society. A person can be the most diligent in worship, endure nightly prayers, keep fasting every day. But what is the use of this if this person is rude to others and harms the creations of Allah. Respect for neighbors is repeatedly mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah. So let’s strive to be friends with our neighbors and be patient with small inconveniences.
May Allah guide us all to the path of truth.