In the society we live in, a neighbor is not just someone who lives next door to us, but he is a part of our daily lives. He has certain rights over us. How we treat him is a reflection of our culture and religion. In this article, we will learn about the rights of neighbors in Islam.
Whether it is Hindu culture or Islam, both teach us the same lesson
“benevolence, respect and love.”
In Islam, this sentiment is expressed in a deeper and clearer form, it is called “huququl-jir”, i.e. the rights of the neighbor.
What does Islam say?
In the Quran, Allah says:
“Worship Allah and do not associate anyone with Him, and be good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, and neighbors who are near and far.”
— (Quran, Surah An-Nisa 4:36)
This verse is the social message of Islam. It is not just for Muslims it is for all humanity. It says that no matter what religion your neighbor belongs to, you should treat him with love and respect.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) — A Living Example of Neighborhood
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave many teachings about treating neighbors.
He said:
“He is not a true believer who eats his fill while his neighbor is hungry.”
— (Hadith: Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 23434)
This teaching is not only religious, but also human values. Even today, if every person takes care of his neighbor like this, then there will be no hunger, hatred, and loneliness in any society.
A beautiful incident of the Prophet (pbuh)
An elderly Jewish woman would throw garbage over the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) every day when he left his house to go to the mosque. The same rude behavior every day, but the Prophet (peace be upon him) never said anything to her. He would remove the garbage from his path and move on.
One day, when she fell ill, the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself went to her house and inquired about her condition. The woman was astonished and said, “Even I treat you badly, you take care of me?”
Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “My religion teaches me to visit a sick neighbor.”
This incident shows that respect for humanity is paramount in Islam. Regardless of religion, a neighbor is a person, and a person is a responsibility.
Rights of Neighbors — Social Policy of Islam
Some important rights given to neighbors in Islam:
1) Honor and Respect
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, Let him treat his neighbor well.”
— (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6018)
Respect is the first condition of any relationship. In our society too, it is said “Vasudhaiva Kutubkam” (“वसुधैव कुटुंबकम्”)— The whole world is one family.
2) Non-harassment
“He is not a believer who harms his neighbor.”
— (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 6016)
This teaching is not limited to Islam — In Indian culture too, it is said that (“अहिंसा परमो धर्मः”) “Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah.” Both ideas are connected to the core of humanity.
3) Feeding the hungry
“He is not a believer whose stomach is full and his neighbor is hungry.”
— (Hadith: Musnad Ahmad)
Feeding the hungry is a common thread in all religions. Shabri’s ber in the Ramayana, Guru Nanak’s langar, and Zakat in Islam — all of these convey the message of one humanity.
4) Help in times of need
“Whoever comes to the aid of his neighbor, Allah comes to his aid.”
— (Hadith: Tirmidhi 1940)
That is, “Service is worship.” In our society too, it is said that "परहित सरिस धर्म नहिं भाई" ” (There is no greater religion or virtue than doing good to others.)".
Expansion of neighbors — A comprehensive view of Islam
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that the rights of a neighbor extend to 40 houses — to the left, right, in front and behind. That is, not just beyond the wall, but our street, community, city — all are our “neighbors”.
It has nothing to do with religion, caste, language or color. Islam says — “The one who lives near you is your neighbor.”
The importance of these teachings in modern times
In today’s urban life, we don’t even know our neighbors. The walls have grown, but our hearts have become smaller. But Islam says — Love your neighbor, share his sorrow, and give him a sense of security.
This teaching is not just religious — It is a strategy for the reconstruction of humanity.
Similarities between Hindu and Islamic thought
If we look, the spirit of both religions is the same. In Hinduism it is said — “अतिथि देवो भव” (“Be a guest to God”)
And in Islam it is said —
“He who treats his guest well, is beloved to Allah.” (Hadith: Bukhari 6019)
Both teachings teach — Respect others, help others, and live in peace.
Inspirational sayings of the Prophet (pbuh)
“The most beloved to Allah is he who is most helpful to his neighbors.”
— (Hadith: Tirmidhi 1941)
This saying is an inspiration for every religious person. If we want to please God, then we should treat God’s creation — man — well.
Conclusion — Islam is not just about prayer, but also about service
In Islam, loving, respecting, and empathizing with one’s neighbor is as important as prayer. Neighbors are our relatives outside our home. Regardless of religion, humanity is the common identity of all.
If every Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh — behaves well with his neighbor, then this earth will become heaven.
References
Quran: Surah An-Nisa 4:36
Sahih Bukhari: Hadith 6014, 6016, 6018
Musnad Ahmad: Hadith 23434
Tirmidhi: Hadith 1940–1941
Tafsir Ibn Kathir: Surah An-Nisa (4:36)
This article is written specifically to “increase understanding and create unity”, not for propaganda, nor for comparison. Just to show that — Islam is a religion of humanity, which considers every human being as its neighbor.
Recommended Books to Deepen Your Understanding
Here are a few authentic and inspiring books you can read for free (PDF format):
The Sealed Nectar (Ar-Raheeq AI-Makhturn) Download pdf
Concept of Prophethood in Different Religions Download pdf
Muhammad The Prophet of Islam Download pdf
Towards Understanding Islam Download pdf
The Scientific Truths of The Quran Download pdf
Each book offers a new window into the compassion, justice, and humanity of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh.
Tags:
Islam, Prophet Muhammad, Islamic teachings, humanity in Islam, neighbour rights, compassion, coexistence, peace in Islam, Islamic values, Islam and humanity, Prophet’s message, moral teachings, social harmony, community ethics, interfaith understanding, universal brotherhood, Islam for non-Muslims
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