In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

 

KINDNESS TO NEIGHBOR

 

All praise is for Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Universe. May His peace and blessings be upon prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his household, companions and followers of right guidance till the Day of Judgment. Allah, the Exalted, says: "Serve Allah and join not any partners with Him: and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the way-farer (you meet) and what your right hands possess (slaves): for Allah loves not the arrogant the vainglorious; (Nor) those who are niggardly or enjoin niggardliness on others or hide the bounties which Allah has bestowed on them; for We have prepared for those who resist faith a punishment that steeps them in contempt.” Q4:36-7.

 

We should not be niggard with the money and properties that Allah has bestowed on us. Also, we should not be spendthrifts. We need to assist our relatives and neighbors. We should remember that there are many who struggled more than we did but could not achieve what we have achieved. Allah says: "Make not thy hand tied (like a niggard's) to thy neck nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach so that thou become blameworthy and destitute. Verily thy Lord doth provide sustenance in abundance for whom He pleases and He provides in a just measure: for He knows and regard all His servants." Q17:29&30.

 

Our beloved prophet, Muhammad (PBUH), said the following on the topic. "(Angel) Gabriel kept on recommending me about treating the neighbors in a kind and polite manner, so much so that I thought that he would order (me) to make them (my) heirs."(Bukhari 8.44).

 

"By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!" It was said, "Who is that, O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "That person whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil." (Bukhari 8.45).

 

"Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (or insult) his neighbor; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should entertain his guest generously." (Bukhari 8.482).

 

"The best friend in the sight of Allah is he who is the well-wisher of his companions, and the best neighbor is one who behaves best towards his neighbors". (Tirmidhi 311).

Abu Rafi' sold a house to Sa'd bin Malik for four-hundred Mithqal of gold, and said, "If I had not heard the Prophet saying, 'The neighbor has more right to be taken care of by his neighbor (than anyone else),' then I would not have sold it to you." (Bukhari 9.110)

 

Kindness should not be restricted only to those with the same religion like us but should be extended to everybody regardless of his/her religion, color, tribe and nationality. We need to dialogue with our neighbors and let them know our beliefs and all that our religion prohibits. Similarly, we should know the basis of their religion and what it prohibits. We should discuss religion and its values but we should avoid unnecessary argument. If Allah had so willed He would have made all of us to have one and a single religion. Allah warns: "Revile not ye those whom they call upon besides Allah lest they out of spite revile Allah in their ignorance.  Thus We have made alluring to each people its own doings.  In the end will they return to their Lord and We shall then tell them the truth of all that they did." Q6:108.

 

May Allah have mercy on us. May He remove selfishness and greediness from our hearts.

 

Peace be upon you.