Neighbors: Rights, Duties, and the Beauty of Good Neighborliness

• Neighbors in Islam: The Sacred Bonds We Often Overlook
• Quranic Guidance
• Prophetic Hadith on Neighbors’ Rights
• Dealing with Difficult Neighbors
• Historical Context and Early Muslim Practice
• The Four Schools and Neighbor Rights
• Living These Teachings Today – Modern Relevance
• Recommended Books and Resources on Neighbor’s Rights
• Conclusion

Neighbors in Islam: The Sacred Bonds We Often Overlook

Imagine waking up tomorrow morning and realizing you have no sugar for your coffee or no eggs for your breakfast. Who would you turn to first? Most likely, it's the people right next door—your neighbors.

In Islam, your neighbors (al-jār – الجَار) aren't just random people living nearby. They're individuals who witness your daily life, who are there when you need help—even if it’s just borrowing some sugar or an egg. They're people who see your true character, outside the masks we sometimes wear.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ placed tremendous emphasis on ḥuqūq al-jār (the rights of the neighbor), calling these rights sacred. He made neighborly kindness more than just good manners; he declared it an essential part of faith itself.

Islam teaches us something incredibly powerful: our neighbors deserve our kindness, respect, and compassion—not only if they share our beliefs, but simply because they're our neighbors. The Arabic term ḥusn al-jīwār (حُسن الجِوار) beautifully captures this idea, meaning "excellence towards neighbors." The Quran itself places neighbors right next to parents and relatives, highlighting how critical these relationships are.

Ask yourself honestly:

• If my neighbors were asked about me, what would they say?
• Would they describe me as helpful, friendly, and trustworthy—or as someone they'd rather not deal with?
• Would my neighbors miss me if I moved away?

Your answers reflect the core of your faith. If neighbors see Islam through your actions, they see its beauty firsthand. This living kindness becomes the most effective form of Da‘wah (inviting others to Islam).

Quranic Guidance

The Quran explicitly instructs Muslims to be good to their neighbors. In one key verse, Allah lists neighbors immediately after orphans and the poor, highlighting their rights. Allah says:

“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.”

In this verse (Quran 4:36), “the near neighbor” and “the neighbor farther away” are both mentioned, indicating that every neighbor, whether close in relation or distance, deserves kindness . Early Quran commentators differed on the exact meaning: some said “near neighbor” means a nearby house while “far neighbor” means a house further down the street. Others, like the Companion ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAbbās, interpreted near neighbor as one who is also a relative, and distant neighbor as a non-related neighbor. Another view is that near neighbor refers to a Muslim neighbor and far neighbor to a non-Muslim neighbor. All these interpretations are valid, and they convey a powerful message: be good to all your neighbors, regardless of who they are. The verse begins by affirming Tawḥīd (worship of Allah alone) and ends by condemning arrogance – teaching us that serving God goes hand in hand with humbly caring for people around us .

Another Quranic passage indirectly emphasizes neighborly kindness. Surah Al-Māʿūn (Chapter 107) condemns those who refuse even “small kindnesses” (al-māʿūn) to others. Classical scholars explain that al-māʿūn includes lending everyday items or help to one’s neighbors (like a bucket, tools, or simple aid). Thus, withholding help from neighbors is viewed as a sign of hypocrisy in faith.

Prophetic Hadith on Neighbors’ Rights

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reinforced the Quran’s message by repeatedly stressing neighborly duties. He linked good neighborliness to iman (true faith) and warned against harming neighbors in the strongest terms. Below are several authentic hadiths (Prophetic sayings) about neighbors:

The Prophet ﷺ said: “By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer.” When asked, “Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?”, he replied: “The one whose neighbor is not safe from his evil.”

In this striking hadith found in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ swears three times that a person is not a true believer if their neighbor lives in fear of their harm. This teaches that harming a neighbor is a grave sin that negates the perfection of one’s faith. A Muslim must ensure their neighbors feel safe and peaceful, not threatened.

Aisha (the Prophet’s wife) reported Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said: “Jibrīl (Angel Gabriel) kept advising me about treating the neighbor with kindness until I thought he would (order me to) make the neighbor an heir (i.e. entitled to share inheritance).”

This famous hadith (agreed upon by Bukhari and Muslim) shows how Allah’s angel repeatedly reminded the Prophet about neighbors’ rights, underlining their great importance. The Prophet ﷺ imagined that Gabriel’s counsel was so unceasing that neighbors might even be given a share in one’s estate. While neighbors do not literally inherit under Islamic law, the hadith’s hyperbole drives home the point that neighbors have a tremendous claim on our kindness, almost like family.

The Prophet ﷺ commanded: “O Abu Dharr! When you prepare a broth, add extra water to it, and give some to your neighbors.”

This hadith in Sahih Muslim was addressed to the Companion Abu Dharr al-Ghifari. It is practical advice teaching us to share our blessings with neighbors. Even if one has only a little food, Islam encourages adding water to stretch the meal and sending a portion to the neighbors, so no one nearby goes hungry. Such generosity builds love and reduces hunger in the community. Another narration similarly states: “It is not permissible for a person to eat his fill while his neighbor is hungry.”. These teachings established a culture where Muslims would routinely share food and gifts with neighbors, creating tight-knit, caring neighborhoods.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ also said: “The best of companions in the sight of Allah is the one who is best to his companion, and the best of neighbors in the sight of Allah is the one who is best to his neighbor.”

This hadith (from Jāmi‘ al-Tirmidhi and also recorded in Imam al-Bukhari’s Al-Adab al-Mufrad) highlights that Allah loves those who treat their neighbors excellently. Being “best to one’s neighbor” means consistently showing courtesy, help, and avoiding any harm. It’s a competition in goodness: the more kindly you behave, the higher you are in Allah’s esteem. Simple acts like greeting them warmly, assisting in their needs, keeping noise down, and offering a helping hand are all part of being the “best neighbor.”

Historical Context and Early Muslim Practice

To understand these teachings in context: pre-Islamic Arabian society valued hospitality and tribal loyalty, but Islam broadened moral concern to all neighbors, not just tribal kin. When the early Muslim community was established in Madinah, people of different tribes, and even different religions, began living side by side. The Quran’s revelation in Madinah (including 4:36 above) and the Prophet’s hadiths came in a setting where building social harmony was critical. Kindness to neighbors helped unite Muhājirūn (Muslim emigrants from Mecca) with the Ansār (Muslims native to Medina) and also guided relations with Jewish neighbors in the city.

One remarkable example from the Prophet’s life is how he treated a Jewish neighbor. It is reported that the Prophet ﷺ had a Jewish neighbor who at times acted offensively, yet the Prophet always showed patience and mercy. According to an Islamic tradition, this neighbor used to throw trash in the Prophet’s way. When the trash one day ceased, the Prophet ﷺ visited the neighbor to check on them, finding the person ill, and he kindly wished them well. This compassionate act moved the neighbor’s heart. (While this specific story is popularly told, it is not recorded in the major hadith collections – however, it reflects the Prophet’s well-documented character of mercy toward neighbors.) Another authentic report shows the Prophet visiting a sick Jewish boy who was his young neighbor and servant; the Prophet’s kindness led the boy to embrace Islam on his deathbed, a testament to how merciful conduct can soften hearts.

The Companions of the Prophet put his teachings into practice. Abdullah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘As, a famous Companion, once had a sheep slaughtered and immediately instructed his servant: “Have you given some to our Jewish neighbor yet? For I heard the Prophet say that Gabriel kept advising me about the neighbor until I thought neighbors would be made heirs.”. This shows that the earliest Muslims cared for their non-Muslim neighbors as part of their Islamic duty. Abdullah ibn ‘Amr’s neighbors were not Muslim, yet he made sure to send them meat before anyone else, explicitly because of the Prophet’s words. Such behavior was exemplary in that society and illustrated Islam’s inclusive ethic of neighborliness.

Another Companion, Abu Hurayrah, narrated a practical warning from the Prophet ﷺ: If a Muslim woman prays and fasts but harms her neighbors with her tongue (through insults or gossip), she is in danger of punishment, whereas a woman with fewer extra devotions but who is kind to neighbors will enter Paradise (summarized from hadith in Musnad Ahmad). This underlines that moral character and how one treats neighbors can outweigh formal acts of worship if those acts are not accompanied by good behavior.

Historically, when Islamic teachings were implemented, neighborly relations flourished to an extraordinary degree. Early Muslim communities became known for mutual trust and security. For example, medieval records describe how in Islamic cities, people of different faiths lived as neighbors in peace. The 13th-century scholar Imam Al-Qarāfī highlighted Muslim duties toward non-Muslim neighbors:

Al-Qarāfī (Maliki jurist) wrote: “The covenant of protecting dhimmīs (non-Muslims under Muslim rule) imposes upon Muslims certain obligations towards them. They are our neighbors, under our shelter and protection by the guarantee of Allah, His Messenger ﷺ, and the religion of Islam. Whoever transgresses against them, even with a mere word of injustice or insult, has breached the covenant of Allah and His Messenger.”

This remarkable statement from a classical scholar shows that harming a non-Muslim neighbor – even verbally – was seen as violating a sacred pledge. Indeed, throughout Islamic history, many non-Muslims chose to live in Muslim lands because they experienced such fair and kind treatment. In Islamic Spain and the Ottoman Empire, we find accounts of Jewish and Christian neighbors coexisting with Muslims in mutual respect, each community secure in their rights. This neighborly peace was (and is) a living daʿwah, attracting hearts to the justice and mercy of Islam.

One oft-cited historical anecdote: A traveler in the 9th century, Bernard the Wise, marveled that in Muslim lands a person could leave their belongings unattended on a street and no neighbor would disturb them – an indication of the amanah (trustworthiness) and care Muslims showed in their communities. Such was the impact of Islamic values that even outsiders praised the harmony and safety found in Muslim cities.

Dealing with Difficult Neighbors

We’ve all experienced challenges with neighbors at some point. Maybe they're noisy, rude, or unfriendly. But Islam guides us clearly—even difficult neighbors deserve our patience, kindness, and good character.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught us to respond to negativity with kindness, saying:

“Repel evil with what is better. Then the one who was once your enemy will become your close friend.” (Quran 41:34)

When a neighbor is unkind, Islam encourages patience first. Instead of reacting negatively, try responding with generosity or assistance. Your consistent kindness could change their heart over time.

Remember, your neighbors see you every day and witness your character closely. If you respond to their negativity with patience and compassion, you embody Islam's beauty. Ask yourself:

• Am I showing patience and kindness even when tested?
• Could my positive behavior eventually soften their attitude?

Historically, Muslims won hearts through their patience and generosity, transforming entire communities. Today, this remains true—your kindness can be powerful enough to change someone's heart, and even lead them toward appreciating Islam.

So next time your neighbor frustrates you, pause and choose kindness. It’s not just good character; it’s powerful Da‘wah in action.

The Four Schools and Neighbor Rights

The four major madhāhib (schools of Islamic law – Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi‘i, Hanbali) unanimously agree on the importance of neighbor’s rights, though they may differ slightly in defining who exactly counts as a “neighbor” in certain rulings. All schools take the Prophet’s warnings and commands about neighbors seriously; any form of undue harm to a neighbor (noise, bad smells, blocking their rights of way, etc.) is considered sinful across the board.

Who is a “neighbor”? Classical jurists had different interpretations:

• Imam Abu Hanifa (Hanafi) is reported to have said that at minimum the people whose houses immediately adjacent to yours are neighbors. Some early Hanafi scholars like Qatādah limited it to one or two houses away. However, prominent Hanafis later, such as Ibn ‘Ābidīn, favored the view that local custom (‘urf) defines who is considered a neighbor . For example, in a village the whole village might be “neighbors,” whereas in a city perhaps the same building or street.
• Imam al-Shafi‘i (Shafi‘i) held a more expansive view, citing reports that forty houses in every direction constitute one’s neighbors. In Shafi‘i fiqh texts (e.g. Mughni al-Muhtāj), a saying of the Prophet is mentioned: “The rights of neighbors extend to forty houses in each direction,” although this narration is mursal (missing a companion link) and graded weak by some scholars. Still, Imam Shafi‘i and others used it to encourage a broad definition – essentially, your whole neighborhood.
• Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (Hanbali) similarly is quoted as saying the neighbor includes forty houses on each side. Yet, Hanbalis also acknowledge that there’s no strict textual limit; thus some Hanbali scholars like al-Mardāwī concluded ‘urf (local customary understanding) should be the reference if no clear proof defines the neighbor’s range .
• Imam Malik (Maliki) did not set a fixed number of houses in his most famous opinions. Maliki jurists generally emphasize the spirit of the law – anyone living nearby enough that what you do affects them (and vice versa) is a “neighbor.” Malikis, too, often defer to common sense and custom for defining neighborhood boundaries, focusing more on fulfilling the duties of courtesy and non-harm to all around you.

Despite these slight differences in definition, all four schools stress that a Muslim must not harm the neighbor and must do good towards them. For instance, all schools agree with the hadith, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him not annoy his neighbor.” This principle is reflected in legal rulings: e.g., one cannot build something on one’s property that causes damage to the neighbor’s property, like blocking their sunlight or air without need – such actions can be stopped by an Islamic judge under “neighbor rights.” Likewise, all schools uphold the concept of eḥsān ilā al-jār (benevolence to the neighbor) as part of Islamic ethics, even if it’s not a litigable “law” in court.

Another area of classical law influenced by neighborly relations is Shuf‘ah (pre-emption): in some schools (Hanafi in particular), if a property is sold, an adjoining neighbor has a right of first refusal to buy it, to prevent harm from an unknown new owner and to preserve the goodwill among neighbors. This shows how fiqh tried to practically preserve good relations by giving neighbors consideration in transactions.

In summary, whether one follows Hanafi, Shafi‘i, Maliki, or Hanbali teachings, the duty to honor and not harm neighbors is unanimous. Differences exist only in where to “draw the line” on who’s included, but the spirit is to err on the side of inclusion. A pious Muslim, following any school, would be expected to treat anyone in their vicinity with kindness as taught by Islam.

Living These Teachings Today – Modern Relevance

In our modern world, these timeless teachings about neighbors are more relevant than ever. Cities have grown and people often live close together (in apartment buildings, urban neighborhoods, etc.), yet modern life sometimes leads to isolation – everyone busy with their own work and screens. Islam provides an antidote: reach out and build bonds. Muslims today are called to apply the Prophet’s advice in contemporary ways:

• Get to know your neighbors: A simple greeting of salām (“peace be upon you”) or a friendly hello can start a positive relationship. The Prophet ﷺ encouraged saying Assalāmu ‘alaikum to those you know and those you do not know. In a diverse society, that could mean exchanging greetings with your neighbors of different faiths with a smile and good wishes. Small courtesies like asking “How are you doing today?” or offering help to carry groceries can break the ice.

• Share and care: One beautiful practice Muslims do is sharing food or treats, especially on special occasions. For example, during ‘Īd (Islamic holiday) or Ramadan, a Muslim family might send plates of biryani, dates, sweets or other foods to the neighbors, regardless of their religion. This is a Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) that builds friendship. If it’s not feasible to cook extra, even sharing some fruit or a box of cookies with a nice note can brighten a neighbor’s day. Likewise, checking in on elderly neighbors or those who live alone, offering to assist them with errands, is a direct fulfillment of Islamic duty.

• Avoid being a source of harm or annoyance: In apartments or housing complexes, this means keeping noise to considerate levels (especially at night). It means ensuring that your pet, if you have one, doesn’t disturb or dirty a neighbor’s area. It means parking responsibly so you don’t block someone’s car or driveway. If you share walls, it could mean not cooking extremely pungent foods without proper ventilation if it seeps into the neighbor’s space and they mind. These might seem like small things, but they distinguish a Muslim who is conscious of neighbors. The Prophet ﷺ said even “preventing harm” from reaching people is a form of charity. So, simply being mindful goes a long way.

• Interfaith goodwill: In many places, your neighbors might follow different faiths (Christian, Jewish, Hindu, atheist, etc.). Islam teaches respect and kindness to all. A Muslim should be the first to wish their neighbors well on their special days (without compromising one’s own religious beliefs). For instance, one might tell a Christian neighbor “Happy Holidays” and perhaps give a neutral gift like cookies during Christmas season, and kindly explain one’s own celebrations when asked. These gestures create mutual respect. If a neighbor is curious about Islam, a Muslim should warmly share knowledge (this is part of da’wah by being a good example). If the neighbor has misunderstandings about Islam, the Muslim neighbor’s character can be the best rebuttal. As one hadith says, “Behave well with your neighbors and you will be a (true) Muslim.”.

• Community involvement: Muslims should participate positively in neighborhood activities – be it a cleanup day, a neighborhood watch, or a block party – as long as there’s nothing prohibited involved. Being present and helpful in the local community shows that Islam encourages constructive citizenship. In fact, Muslims often take initiative in charitable acts like organizing food drives for the poor in their area, which benefits neighbors in need. This proactive compassion reflects the Prophetic model.

• Addressing disputes wisely: Sometimes, neighbors might have conflicts (over property lines, noise, etc.). Islam teaches patience and gentleness in resolving these. If a Muslim faces a rude or difficult neighbor, he should first show patience (as the Prophet did), gently advise or discuss the issue, or involve a respected mediator if needed . Only if harm is unbearable should one seek legal help, and even then without spite. Many Muslims, recalling the hadith about the neighbor who kept bothering the Prophet’s companion until the community shamed that offender , will try to exhaust all polite measures first. Importantly, Muslims are taught never to return evil with evil. The Quran says: “Repel [evil] with what is better; then the one between whom and you was hatred will become as a dear friend.” (41:34). This applies to neighbor relations too – kindness can reform even a bad neighbor.

In a broader sense, practicing good neighborliness today can help heal societal divisions. When Muslims uphold these values, it doesn’t only benefit Muslim neighbors but improves the atmosphere for everyone. It’s also a form of silent preaching. For example, a non-Muslim once wrote to a newspaper about how touched he was that his Muslim neighbor brought him soup and medicine when he was ill, even though they hadn’t known each other well. Acts like these show the true face of Islam better than a thousand words.

Moreover, urban living often means we are neighbors with people very different from ourselves. Islam equips us to handle this diversity with grace, insisting on rights for neighbors as neighbors, not based on race or class. In Islam’s golden age, rich and poor lived in proximity and a wealthy Muslim was expected to take care of less fortunate neighbors. Similarly today, if you are well-off and your neighbor is struggling, Islam says to be generous and not flaunt your advantages in a hurtful way. Even something as simple as sharing an internet Wi-Fi password with a neighbor who can’t afford their own, or inviting neighbors’ kids to join in a fun activity you arranged for your kids, can be ways to apply Islamic neighborly love now.

In essence, the Muslim of today should be a beacon of neighborly excellence, just like the Muslims of the past. By doing so, we do justice to our faith and contribute to safer, happier communities for all.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rights of neighbors in Islam are a shining example of the religion’s holistic approach to life – connecting devotion to God with kindness to fellow human beings. A true Muslim, guided by the Quran and Sunnah, strives to be the best possible neighbor: helpful, patient, and compassionate. This prophetic model has proven itself through history to be superior in fostering peaceful and loving communities. By learning and living these teachings today, we not only please our Lord but also invite others to discover the beauty of Islam. As the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” And in Islam, that brotherhood extends to the person next door.

May Allah help us all fulfill our neighbors’ rights and may our neighborhoods become places of friendship and faith, āmīn.

Recommended Books and Resources on Neighbor’s Rights

For those interested in learning more, scholarship offers many resources discussing the rights of neighbors. Here are a few highly recommended books and collections:

• “Al-Adab al-Mufrad” by Imam al-Bukhari – A classical compilation of Prophetic manners and morals. It has a dedicated section on Kitāb al-Jār (The Book of the Neighbor), containing many hadiths and reports about neighbors. This is an excellent resource to see the breadth of Islamic teachings on the subject, with commentary by later scholars like al-Albani who graded the narrations.

• “Riyāḍ as-Ṣāliḥīn” (Gardens of the Righteous) by Imam Nawawī – A very famous book of hadiths arranged by topic. Chapter 39 of this book is titled “The Book of Good Manners” and includes subsections on the kindness to neighbors. It collects many of the key hadiths (such as “By Allah, he is not a believer whose neighbor is not safe...” and “Let whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day be good to his neighbor”) along with brief commentary. Its accessible style makes it great for 8th-grade reading level and up.

• “Bulugh al-Maram” by Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani – A hadith collection focusing on proofs for Islamic rulings. It has a section on civil matters that includes hadiths on neighbors (for example, forbidding causing harm to neighbors, and the hadith “do not prevent your neighbor from placing a beam in your wall” about cooperation ). It’s useful for understanding how neighbor rights tie into fiqh (Islamic law).

• “Minhaj al-Muslim” (The Way of a Muslim) by Abu Bakr al-Jaza’iri – A modern comprehensive manual of Islamic practice and ethics. It has chapters on social dealings, with clear advice about neighbors drawn from the Quran and Sunnah. It’s very straightforward and ideal for young readers and adults alike.

• “Islamic Manners” by Shaykh Abdul Fattah Abu Ghudda – While not solely about neighbors, this book covers all aspects of etiquette (adab), including how to treat neighbors with respect, how to be polite in a shared living situation, and examples from the Prophet’s life. It’s concise and filled with wisdom from classical scholars.

• Educational pamphlets or articles: For a quick study, many Islamic centers distribute pamphlets like “The Rights of Neighbors in Islam.” These often summarize Quran 4:36 and key hadiths, and are excellent for youth study circles. Websites such as Islam Q&A have detailed fatwas (e.g., “Definition of neighbours in Islamic teaching” ) which gather the views of scholars and can be very informative.