By Altaf Mir
The concept of a peaceful neighbourhood has become important in the light of some recent sporadic incidents, which tried to disrupt the harmony prevailing in the neighbourhoods. As per the Islamic teachings, Muslims are required to treat their neighbours, irrespective of their religion, with kindness, compassion, and respect, while also being helpful towards them. This concept stems from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad who emphasised the importance of maintaining cordial relations with neighbours.
In Islam, the concept of neighbourhood is much broader and does not just refer to the person living next door but also includes those who live in the entire community. Furthermore, it is important for Muslims to be considerate of their neighbours needs and look out for their well-being. In many Islamic cultures, it is customary to share food and gifts with neighbours on special occasions and to visit them during times of celebration or grief The Quran and Hadith both stress the importance of treating one’s neighbours with kindness and respect regardless of their religion or ethnicity. The social aspect of Islam promotes social cohesion and encourages Muslims to build strong bonds within the communities in which they live. It is equally significant to note that in Islam, the significance of neighbourliness is not limited to just interpersonal relationships but also extends to society as a whole. Muslims are encouraged to work towards the betterment of their communities and to always strive for social welfare.
In the Quran, Allah mentions, “Do good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbour, the distant neighbour, the companion at your side, the travellers, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed. Allah does not like those who are arrogant and boastful” (Surah An-Nisa. 4:36). A good neighbour will be aware of any problems in the neighbourhood, including property damage, illness, and other emergencies or needs. Muslims may improve their relationships with their neighbours by keeping an eye on them without being intrusive and by visiting them or dropping off food when they are HI or are in need. The practice can be exemplified with the incident of the son of a Jewish neighbour of the prophet, who used to serve him, once became unwell, and the Prophet went to see him.
Additionally, neglecting the rights of one’s neighbours is considered a grave sin in Islam. Islam emphasises treating neighbours with kindness, compassion, and respect while being helpful towards them. The Prophet emphasised the crucial idea of ensuring a sense of security and the safety of neighbours. Everyone has a right to peace and security, so tt shouldn’t be disturbed by anybody. A person is not a real believer in Islam if his lifestyle puts his neighbours’ safety in danger. The Quran commands a Muslim to be the guardian of his neighbour, including his life and property. One is commanded to look for them when they are absent and ask for their well-being, one should support them in times of need selflessly without pursuing their imperfections or faults. In fact, the Quran specifically commands a Muslim that if he comes across any faults or shortcomings in his neighbour, he/she should conceal them and intentionally perform a stronghold role towards them.
Today, a handful of people with ulterior motives and with aim to destabilise India internally are making their best efforts in disturbing the harmony and neighbourly relations. This has necessitated to revive such teachings and perform such actions that uphold the principle of tolerance. There is a high requirement for the joint exercise of the above-mentioned duties so that intolerance is rooted out and the living arrangements of religious denominations are amicable in shared livelihoods. In fact, the government should promote such neighbourhoods where secularism is lived, performed, and experienced. The societal balance is necessary, and there is a greater need to de-politicise community living and normalise the practices of neighbourly living.
(The writer is associated with Jamia Millia Islamia. The views expressed in the article are the author’s own. It has nothing to do with Janlekh.com management.)
