All human beings are descended from Eve and Adam; therefore, Muslims believe in Brotherhood and suppose the entire Humanity as a family. Then, there is no way to generate the concept of superiority over one another except on the basis of “Taqwa” (fear of God). In world everything is interconnected and society depends on the behaviour and interaction among people. It urges neighbours to create social ties where one can rely on other and to ensure that existence, dignity and asserts are secure among neighbours.

Rights of Neighbours in Islam

The Qur’an-book of Allah is the complete code of life, every matter of life is discussed in it including the rights of neighbours. Because neighbours play important role in the makeup of an ideal society, it also effects the life of People and the welfare of community, that is why God makes it the part of our religion.

Allah says:

“Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good – to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the Companion by your side, the wayfarer [you meet], and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious.”

(Quran 4:36)

Islam Prohibits to Harm Neighbours

Last Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) once said a same praise at three times, “by Allah, he is not a believer” in front of People, then to complete his statement he further added, “those whose Neighbours do not feel safe from their evil acts.” It shows the importance and value of Neighbourhood in Islam.

It is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari that:

The Prophet, (Peace and blessings be upon him) said: "By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer.’’ It was asked, "Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?’’ He said, "One whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil.”

(Sahih Bukhari)

Islam advices Mankind to Treat Neighbours in a Good Way

Neighbourhood is one of the blessings of God and it is found in many hadiths and verses about rights and good behaviour with Neighbours. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that Jibril always recommended me to treat my neighbours in a good way, it reached at that level where I thought he would may tell me to include them in heirs also.

The Messenger of Allah, (Peace and blessings be upon him), said: "Jibril kept recommending me to treat my neighbour well until I thought that he would tell me to make him one of my heirs.”

(Bukhari: 6014)

You Must Take Care of Your Neighbours

To maintain the peaceful environment of the community, it is declared in Islam to take care of your Neighbours because then in return they also do the same, and in this way we may fulfil needs of each other.

In Hadith it is beautifully stated with an example, that how to care and behave with Neighbours:

Abu Dharr, May Allah be pleased with him, reported: The Messenger of Allah, (Peace and blessings be upon him), commanded me thus, "O Abu Dharr! Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and give some of it to your neighbours."

(Sahih Muslim).

Share Food with your Neighbour

Look after and be aware about the situation of Neighbours is also our responsibility because it is mentioned in Hadith that if we are not doing such deeds then God will not consider us a believer in the life hereafter.

The Messenger of Allah, (Peace and blessings be upon him) says:" He is not a believer who eats his fill whilst his neighbour beside him goes hungry."

(Bukhari)

Always Respects your Neighbour's Gift

Islam advises mankind that whatever you get from your Neighbour’s house, you should always accept it with respect even if it is a sheep’s foot. Because Islam just wants to maintain love and respect among Neighbours.

It is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari:

Sahih Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet, (Peace and blessings be upon him), used to say: "O Muslim women! No one should scorn the gift of a neighbour, even if it is (only) a sheep’s foot."

(Bukhari: 6017)

All of the above verses and hadiths are declaring the importance of neighbours. Thus, by giving great rights to neighbours, Islam is showing the perfect example of humanity.