The true Muslim does not restrict his good treatment only to neighbors who are related to him or who are Muslims, but he extends it to non-Muslim neighbors too, so that the tolerance of Islam may spread to all people, regardless of their race or religion.

The eminent Sahabi Abdullah ibn Amar (RA) had a sheep slaughtered and asked his slave: “Did you give some meat to our Jewish neighbor? For I heard the Prophet (SAW) said, ‘Jibreel kept on enjoining the good treatment of neighbors to the extent that I thought he would include neighbors as heirs.’” (Bukhari and Muslim)

The people of the Book have lived among Muslims for centuries, knowing that they, their honor, their wealth, and their beliefs are secure, and enjoying good neighborly relations, good treatment, and freedom of worship. Evidence of this is seen in the continued existence of their ancient churches, clinging to mountaintops, surrounded by thousands of Muslims who uphold the well-being of their Jewish and Christian neighbors in accordance with the Qur’anic teaching: “Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loves those who are just.” (Qur’an 60: 8)

The true Muslim does not forget the precise system that Islam set out when it enjoined the good treatment of neighbors. Islam has told him to give priority to the one whose house is closest, then the one who is next closest, and so on. This takes into account the closeness of the neighbors whose homes are beside one another, the issues which may frequently arise between them and the importance of maintaining friendship and harmony. Aishah (RA) said: “O’ Messenger of Allah, I have two neighbors, so to which one should I send a gift?” He said:” To the one whose door is closer to yours.” (Bukhari)

The Sahabah were well-aware of this Islamic teaching regarding the treatment of one’s neighbors, so they would not attend to the good treatment of neighbors whose home was further away until they had taken care of the one whose home was nearer. Concerning this, Abu Hurayrah (RA) said: “He does not start with the neighbor whose home is further away before he takes care of the one whose home is nearer. He pays attention to the one whose home is nearer before he turns his attention to the one whose home is further away.” (Bukhari)

This system of priority in the good treatment of neighbors does not mean that a Muslim should ignore the neighbors who are further away from his home. Everyone around his home is considered to be a neighbor and thus enjoys the rights of a neighbor. This system is merely a matter of organization, by means of which the Prophet (SAW) encouraged taking care of the closest neighbor because he is the one with whom there is usually ongoing contact and interaction.

The attitude of treating neighbors well is deeply engrained in the Muslim’s conscience and is one of the features that distinguishes him most in the sight of Allah and of other people, because the true Muslim who has grown up in or has been nurtured by Islam and has internalized its teachings, cannot but be the best of companions and the best of neighbors. He is the one described by the Prophet: “The best companions in the sight of Allah is the one who is best to his companion and the best neighbors in the sight of Allah is the one who is best to his neighbor.” (Tirmidhi)

So Islam counts a good neighbor, one whose presence is a source of comfort, security, and safety, as one of the joys of a Muslim’s life. The Prophet (SAW) Honored the good neighbor by describing him as one of the pillars of happiness in a Muslim’s life: “Among the things that bring happiness to a Muslim in this life are a righteous neighbor, a spacious house, and a good steed.” (Ahmad, and Al-Hakim)

The salaf appreciated the value of good neighbors so much that they considered having a good neighbor to be a priceless blessing. One story which reflects this tells that the neighbor of Sa’eed ibn ‘Aas wanted to sell his home for 100.000 dirhams, and told the would-be purchaser,” This is the price of the house, but what would you give for having Sa’eed as a neighbor?” When Sa’eed heard about this, he sent his neighbor the price of the house and told him to stay there.

by Muhammad Ali Al-Hashimi