Rights of neighbors

Rights of neighbors

 

Troubling one’s neighbors is a very bad thing.  This displeases Allah Most High and His Prophet.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  The rights of the neighbor are as binding as the right of a mother on her son. 

 

It is mentioned in another Hadith:  Jibreel (May peace be upon him) emphasized the rights of neighbors to the extent that I thought neighbors would be counted among the heirs as well.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  That person will not enter paradise whose neighbor is not happy with him (or her).

 

It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Hasan Basri (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was asked:  What are the rights of neighbors?  It was replied:  If the neighbor asks for a loan, give it; if he calls, answer to it; if he is ill, call upon him; if he needs help, help him; if he is stricken with a calamity, console him; if he is happy, congratulate him; if he dies, attend his funeral; if he goes somewhere, guard his house and dependents; as much as possible, don’t trouble him.  Instead give gifts to him.  Don’t raise your own wall without permission from the neighbor.  If he troubles you, be patient on it.

 

Hadhrat Abul Ma’ali Chishti (May Allah shower His Mercy on him) had a neighbor who would complain about him everywhere, speak ill of him and trouble him from his own house.  His disciples wanted to warn him, but the Shaykh didn’t permit it.  As much as possible, the Shaykh tried to keep his comfort in mind.

 

When he died, the Shaykh became very sad and cried for many days.  When his friends and acquaintances asked him the reason for it, the Shaykh replied:  In this material world, sometimes the pious are blemished with inclination to this world.  This cannot be wiped out except with others’ calumny and being patient on it.  For this reason, this deceased neighbor was my great friend.  This is the reason, why I am so sad on his death.

 

Once, Hadhrat ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (May Allah be well pleased with him) slaughtered a goat.  A poor person lived next to him.  Hadhrat ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (May Allah be well pleased with him) asked his family:  Did you send some meat to the neighbor?  They said:  We forgot.  On this, Hadhrat ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar (May Allah be well pleased with him) was greatly angered and said:  What is this that you lead a life of luxury and your neighbor bears difficulties?  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Allah Most High has emphasized kind relations with neighbors through revelation (Wahi).  

 

Then Hadhrat ‘Abdullah (May Allah be well pleased with him) then sent a leg of mutton to the neighbor.

 

[Excerpted from Mawaaiz-e-Hasana, Vol. 1]