Introduction 

Islam places strong emphasis on maintaining good relationships with people in society, including neighbors. Living close to others naturally creates interactions, and these interactions require mutual respect and consideration. Because of this, Islam teaches that treating neighbors well is an important part of social harmony. 

The Qur’anic Foundation of Neighborly Rights

The importance of neighbors is not only mentioned in social teachings but is also clearly stated in the Qur’an and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad. These sources show that caring for neighbors is not merely recommended behavior, but a moral responsibility.

The Qur’an highlights the importance of treating neighbors with kindness. In Surah An-Nisa verse 36, Allah commands believers to worship Him and to treat others well, including neighbors.

وَاعْبُدُواْ اللّهَ وَلاَ تُشْرِكُواْ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْيَتَامَى وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَى وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالجَنبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالاً فَخُورًا

Meaning:

“Worship Allah ˹alone˺ and associate none with Him. And be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, near and distant neighbours, close friends, ˹needy˺ travellers, and those ˹bondspeople˺ in your possession. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful.”

This verse mentions both near neighbors and distant neighbors. According to the scholar Wahbah Az-Zuhaili in Tafsir Al-Munir, near neighbors may include those who are close in residence, family relations, or religion. Distant neighbors, on the other hand, may refer to those who live further away or do not have family ties with us.

This explanation shows that kindness toward neighbors is not limited to certain groups. Islam encourages good treatment of all neighbors regardless of background.

The Advice of Angel Jibril About Neighbors

The importance of neighbors is also highlighted in the hadith of Prophet Muhammad. A narration reported by Aisha states that the Prophet said:

“Aisha reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Jibril continued advising me to treat neighbors well until I thought that neighbors might even be included among those who receive inheritance.”

This narration shows how seriously Islam views the rights of neighbors. The repeated reminders from Angel Jibril left a strong impression on the Prophet and emphasized the importance of treating neighbors with care and respect.

From this teaching, Muslims are encouraged to respect their neighbors, protect their rights, and avoid actions that may disturb or harm them. Maintaining good relationships with neighbors is therefore considered an important part of social life in Islam.

Expressions of Kindness Toward Neighbors

Islamic teachings about neighbors are not only theoretical. They also appear in everyday practices encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad.

Muslims are encouraged to help neighbors when they need assistance, visit them when they are sick, congratulate them during happy occasions, and offer support during times of difficulty. Small gestures of kindness, such as sharing food or checking on a neighbor’s well-being, are also part of these teachings.

At the same time, Islam warns against actions that may disturb neighbors. This includes unnecessary noise, disrespectful behavior, or any act that may cause discomfort or harm.

Through these teachings, Islam promotes a social environment where people live together with mutual respect and empathy.

Lessons from These Teachings

Several important lessons can be drawn from the Qur’anic verses and prophetic teachings about neighbors.

First, neighbors hold an important position in Islamic social ethics. Respecting their rights is considered part of good character.

Second, maintaining good relationships with neighbors helps strengthen trust and cooperation within a community.

Third, these teachings remind Muslims that faith is not only expressed through acts of worship, but also through everyday interactions with others.

Conclusion

Both the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad emphasize the importance of treating neighbors with kindness and respect. Islam encourages believers not only to avoid harming their neighbors, but also to care for them and maintain positive relationships.

These teachings highlight a simple but meaningful idea: a peaceful community often begins with small acts of consideration. By respecting the people who live around us, individuals contribute to creating a more supportive and harmonious society.

References:

Neighbours – Sunnah.com – Sayings and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم). (n.d.). https://sunnah.com/adab/6

Surah An-Nisa – 36 – Quran.com. (n.d.). Quran.com. https://quran.com/an-nisa/36