Three Categories of Neighbours
In a Hadith, related by Jabir (Raziallah Anho), the Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) is reported to have said " Neighbours are of three kinds. Firstly, the neighbor who enjoys only one right (and as far as rights are concerned) he is of the lowest grade. Secondly, the one who enjoys two rights and thirdly the neighbours who enjoys three rights. The neighbor with only one right is the Polytheist (i.e. a non-Muslim neighbours with whom there are no family ties). The neighbours with two rights is the neighbours who is also a Muslim (as such he has a claim as a neighbor as well as a fellow Muslim) and the one with three rights is the neighbor who is a Muslim and a relative - he has a claim as a neighbor, as a fellow Muslim and as a relative".
This Hadith clearly explains that the obligation to live in peace and harmony with neighbours, as demanded in the Holy Qur`an and the Traditions, also includes the non-Muslim neighbours. They too have a claim to our kindness and sympathy. We treat the animals with kindness and we have been warned against ill treating them, then what of our fellow humans - more so our neighbours. It will be significant to note that in all Ahadith Traditions) mentioned, with regards to the basic rights of neighbours, no distinction had been made between Muslims and non-Muslims.
Emphasis on the Rights of Neighbours
It is reported, on the authority of Ayesha (Raziallah Anho) and Ibn Umar (Raziallah Anho) that the messenger of Allah (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) said "The Angel Jibra'il (A.S.) counseled me so frequently regarding the rights of the neighbour that I feared, he too would be declared an heir.
This Hadith shows that Angel Jibra'il (A.S.) brought commandments from Allah, concerning the rights of the neighbour so frequently and stressed the need to be kind and courteous to him with such force and regularity that the Holy Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) thought that the neighbour also will be made an heir i.e. just as parents, children and near relatives inherit the property left by the deceased, he thought that the neighbour, too, will be given a share in it.
Note:- The purpose of this hadith is not merely to state a fact, but rather it is most effective way of highlighting the importance of the neighbour to the Muslims.
Importance of good treatment to neighbours (It is an essential condition of Iman-faith)
It is narrated by Abu Shurayh (Raziallah Anho) that the Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) said "Whoever believes in Allah and the final day (Day of Judgement) it is essential that he does not harm his neighbours and whoever believes in Allah and the final Day it is essential for him to entertain his guest with kindness and generosity and whoever believes in Allah and the Final Day it is essential that he speak what is good or otherwise remain silent."
Amongst other points this hadith explains that it is essential for the true believer to be mindful of his neighbours at all times so that he does not harm him in any way. It also gives us an idea of the value placed on the rights of neighbours by the Holy Prophet of Islam (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam).
In another Hadith related by Abu Hurairah (Raziallah Anho) the Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) said, "By Allah, he is not a true believer, By Allah, he is not a true believer, By Allah, he is not a true believer (three times). He was asked 'Who?" Upon which he replied, "The one whose neighbours do not feel secure from his mischief and evil.
The construction and manner of the hadith shows how agitated the Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) must have been when he said this. The essence contained in this hadith is that the Muslim whose character is such that his neighbours expect nothing but evil from him and they live in fear of being hurt or harmed by him, cannot be regarded as a true and faithful believer- he doesn't deserve the title of Muslim or Mu'min. On another occasion the Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) is reported to have said that such a person (whose neighbours do not feel safe on his account) shall not go to Heaven.
Note:- In the language of Prophet-hood, when special emphasis is laid on a deed, the customary way of putting it is to say that whoever neglects it etc. is not a true believer, and he shall not go to Heaven. It should be understood that this does not imply that he has actually been thrown out of the fold of Islam and now the laws of Infidelity (Kufr) will apply to him, and that in the hereafter he will be treated as an infidel, but rather this is an emphatic way of explaining that such a person does not possess the true spirit of Iman which is the glory of a Muslim and is pleasing to Allah. The particular phrasing is used to lend greater force to the matter.
In yet another hadith, related by Anas (Raziallah Anho), the Prophet (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam) said "He has not affirmed faith in me (i.e. he is not a true follower) who eats to his satisfaction and sleeps comfortably at night white his neighbour goes hungry - and he is aware of it."
How astonishing that such a wide gap has occurred between these teachings and traditions and the actual conduct of the Muslims as a whole! It is extremely difficult for an unknowing person to believe that such, really, were the teachings of the Holy Prophet of Islam (Sal Allaho Alehe Wasallam).
Nevertheless, these traditions and teachings explain clearly the importance of good and kind treatment to neighbors and they are a clear admonition to those who remain indifferent to the needs and difficulties of their neighbours and care nothing for them.
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