The Prophet’s Teachings on Duties towards Neighbours
Human beings are social by nature. They need to live in society and maintain good relations with those around them. These people are known as neighbours. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said that people living within 40 houses are considered neighbours. Islam places great importance on fulfilling our duties towards them.
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet said, “He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbour remains hungry” (Mishkat). This Hadith teaches us that caring for hungry neighbours is an important part of faith. We should also stand beside them in times of hardship.
In Sahih Muslim, the Prophet advised Hazrat Abu Dharr (RA), “When you cook broth, add more water to it and remember your neighbours.” This teaching encourages us to share our food with those living nearby. People with limited means can follow this advice, while those who are financially well-off can provide further assistance.
Another Hadith highlights the importance of treating neighbours well. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that someone asked the Prophet about a woman who regularly performed voluntary prayers, fasted and gave charity but verbally harmed her neighbours. The Prophet said she would enter Hell. The person then asked about another woman who performed fewer voluntary acts of worship and gave little in charity but did not harm her neighbours. The Prophet said she would enter Paradise (Mishkat).
This Hadith shows that voluntary worship cannot justify harming others. We must be careful not to hurt our neighbours through our words or actions.
We have particular responsibilities towards our closest neighbours. They may be the first to help us in times of danger or difficulty, sometimes before our relatives can arrive. We should therefore pay attention to their needs and give priority to those living nearest to us.
Hazrat Aisha (RA) once asked the Prophet which of her two neighbours should receive a gift. He replied that she should give it to the neighbour whose house was closer to hers (Sahih Bukhari). This Hadith emphasises the importance of prioritising those who live nearest to us.
Good behaviour towards neighbours is also a sign of love for Allah and His Messenger. Hazrat Abdur Rahman ibn Abu Qirad (RA) reported that the Prophet said that anyone who wishes to love Allah and His Messenger should speak the truth, return anything entrusted to them to its rightful owner and treat their neighbours well (Mishkat).
The consequences of neglecting these responsibilities are serious. Hazrat Uqbah ibn Amir (RA) reported that the Prophet said the cases of two neighbours would be among the first to be presented on the Day of Judgement. This warns against neglecting neighbours’ rights, harming them or treating them unjustly.
Gifts can also strengthen relations between neighbours. Everyone should give according to their means, and no gift should be considered insignificant. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet urged Muslim women not to look down on a gift from a neighbour, even if it was only a sheep’s hoof (Sahih Muslim).
Islam discourages disputes and hostility between neighbours. Instead, it calls for mutual respect, compassion and cooperation. If disagreements arise, they should be resolved peacefully so that everyone can live in harmony.
A true believer should never harm a neighbour. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet swore three times that a person was not a true believer if their neighbour was not safe from their harm (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
These Hadiths make clear that fulfilling our duties towards neighbours is an important part of Islamic life. We should treat them kindly, help them in times of need, respect their rights and maintain good relations with them. Peaceful neighbourhoods contribute to a harmonious society.
(The writer is a physician and columnist.)
