The ManicaPost
Part 1
Introduction
Apart from a man’s parents, children and near relatives, there also exists a permanent association and contact between him and his neighbours. As we live in society and community we cannot afford to ignore the fact that our neighbourhoods comprise of diverse people from diverse backgrounds as well as of diverse professions. The Islamic teachings of observing due right towards the neighbours are highlighted in such a manner so as to help build a good, respectable bond within members of society/community. 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 . . .” (Holy Qur’aan Ch 4: v 36). From this alone, one can easily comprehend the importance of the neighbours as The Almighty Himself declares the need to be kind to neighbours, amongst others. It is worthy to note 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) had attached great importance to the rights of neighbours and constantly urged the Believers to pay due regard to the rights of neighbours to the extent that he had declared good neighbourliness to be part of Faith and an essential requisite for salvation.
Three categories of neighbours
The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) taught mankind at large that neighbours are of three kinds. 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 is not related to the person (i.e. has no family ties) neither does he/she belong to the same faith/religion. This neighbour has certain basic rights upon the fellow neighbour though he is regarded as the being of the lowest grade. The neighbour with two rights is the neighbour who is not related to the person but is of the same faith/religion. Thirdly, the neighbour with the rights is the one who is of the same faith/religion and is also related to the person — he/she has a claim 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 neighbor are concerned, no distinction had been made between the three categories of neighbours. Meaning to say that as a neighbour they each 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.
Emphasis on the rights of neighbours
The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) explained that the commandments from Allah, concerning the rights of the neighbour were revealed to him so frequently with a particular emphasis on the need to be kind and courteous to him with such force and regularity that he thought that the neighbour also will be made an heir — i.e. 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 neighbor that the feeling arose that the neighbour may well be declared as an heir in the wealth and property of the fellow neghbour! 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 to neighbours
The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) once said “Whoever believes in Allah and the Final Day (Day of Judgment) 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 (peace be upon him) explains that it is essential for the True Believer to be mindful of his neighbours at all times so that he does not harm him in anyway. 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 Judgment). This particular teaching also gives us an idea of the value placed on the rights of neighbours by the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him).
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 (peace be upon him) must have been when he made it. The essence contained in this declaration is that the person whose character is such that his neigbhours expect nothing but evil from him and they live in fear of being hurt or harmed by him, 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 please contact:
Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars
Publications Department
- O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel: 0242-614078 / 614004, Fax: 0242-614003
e-mail: [email protected]
