ISLAM’S NEIGHBOR RIGHTS
In many places in the Holy Quran, proper treatment of zawil qurba (near fellowship) is prescribed. In the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the proper treatment of human relations ISLAM’S NEIGHBOR RIGHTS (Silah Rehmi) is emphasized and counted among the best qualities. A person who does not like his relationship or does not treat it carelessly is looked down upon by Islam. This does not mean, however, that it is in the best interests of Muslims to be selective or to compromise in a personal way. Such support or choice of human relations as it may lead to injustice, is an abomination to Muslims, which discards you as an act of Jahiliyah (ignorance).
Accordingly, it is totally inconsistent with Islam for a government official or public official to base his or her relationship on public expenditure or to share with his or her relatives and friends in his or her official decisions; this is actually an act of sin. Proper treatment of human relations as commanded by Islam, should be at his own expense and within the boundaries of justice and fairplay. Next to the relationship comes the neighbors.
In another hadith, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said that a man whose neighbor is not safe from his evil deeds, does not believe in Islam.
Also, he says that a person who enjoys perfect food while his neighbor is starving does not believe in Islam. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was once informed of a woman who used to pray regularly and often fasted and gave gifts regularly, but her neighbors were sick with her abusive language. He was then told of another woman who did not have these qualities but did not bother her neighbors and the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said that she could be rewarded with a place in heaven.
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has placed so much emphasis on the rights of neighbors that he has advised that whenever a Muslim brings fruit to his children he should send some to his neighbors as a gift or at least not throw the pages out of his house. This will prevent the neighbor from feeling deprived. On another occasion, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said that a man is really good if his neighbors regard him as such and bad if he views him as such.
In short, Islam requires all neighbors to love and cooperate and to share their sorrows and joys. It instructs them to build social relationships where one can trust the other and look after his or her life, fame and safe property among his or her neighbors. A society in which two people, separated only by a wall, remain unknown, whether they live for years or even those who live in the same area of the city, but who have no interest or confidence in each other will not be true Muslims.
Closer to this relationship, a broad circle of relationships envelops the entire community. The broad principles in which Muslims seek to control the normal game of our public life are as follows:
• To cooperate in good deeds and worship of God and not to cooperate in deeds of sin and injustice (Holy Quran).
• Man’s friendship and enmity should be pleasing to Almighty God only; whatever you give (Muslims) should be given because Almighty God wants it given and whatever you have withheld (Muslims) should be withheld because god Almighty does not like such a gift (Hadith).
• You (Muslims) are the best society ever raised in humanity, your duty is to command people to do good and to prevent them from doing evil (Holy Quran).
• Do not think badly of each other, or investigate each other’s affairs, or encourage one another. Keep away from each other’s hatred and jealousy. Do not argue unnecessarily. Always be a slave to the servants of the Almighty Allah and live as brothers among yourselves (Hadith).
• Supporting the community when you make a mistake is like falling into a ditch while holding the tail of your camel, which it would fall into (Hadith).
• Choose others of your choice (Hadith)
All people are born of Eve and Adam; therefore, Muslims believe in the Brotherhood and view all Ubuntu as a family. After all, there is no way to produce a sense of superiority without the foundation of “Taqwa” (fear of God). All over the world everything is connected and society depends on human behavior and cooperation. It urges neighbors to build relationships in a community where one can trust each other and ensure that their presence, dignity and assurance are safe for their neighbors.
