Al Haqeeqa
Islam having a complete code of life, exhorts Muslims for amity, peace and love to the neighbors. It stresses on inter-dependence and cooperation among all neighboring people irrespective of their religion adherence prohibiting of hating/harming neighbor in any way. Being a Muslim, it is binding that the humankind is descended from Adam and Eve so all are brothers and sisters. Holy Quran describes:
“Serve Allah, and join not any partners with him; and do good – to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors, strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious” (Quran 4:36).
Prophet Mohammad has also said: “Angel Jibril advised me continuously to take care of the neighbour till I thought that Allah is to make him an inheritor”. He also insists that a “neighbour” is not just the one next door but includes all those up to forty houses in all directions. A Muslim should not eat, if his neighbour is hungry. It means that Muslims should wish for their neighbours what they wish for themselves by sharing their happiness and sorrow as well. Regarding the high status of rights of neighbours, Prophet says:
“One who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment must not cause hardship and inconvenience to his neighbour; and he who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment must respect his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment must speak well or keep quiet”. (Bukhari)
And also:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the last day should do well to his neighbour”.
In short, every true Muslim is bound to do his best to his neighbours, help them, respect them and be kind to them irrespective of caste/creed/religion. May Allah facilitate to realize the rights of neighbours as a religious duty and a step towards humanity.
