The Rights of Neighbours

The Prophet of Islam said, "By God, he is not a believer whose neighbour is not safe from his evils." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 46) Wherever a man is, he is always with someone. They are his neighbours. Neighbours have a right not to experience any harm from him. In other words, this teaching means that every human being in the world should remain a peaceful person. He must be very careful that he does not cause any harm to the people around him. The benefit of being a peaceful man is that others do not get a chance to complain. If people around you complain about something, it means that you are hurting others; then you should stop doing such things as are hurtful to them. 39. Compassion for the Young and Respect for the Elders The Prophet of Islam said that one who does not show compassion to the younger ones and respect for the elders is not one of us. (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 7073) This hadith explains what noble morals are and how they should be established in a society. In every society, some are junior and others are senior in terms of age as well as in many other respects. For example, in school and college, a teacher’s status is higher than those of the students. How do we live in moderation in such a society? The simple principle is that the elders treat the younger ones with kindness and compassion, and the younger ones treat their elders with respect and dignity. In a society where people observe these two principles, everyone will be happy and have a good opinion about one another. 40. Fulfilling the Contract The Quran enjoins the believers to fulfil a covenant one has made. (2:40) We will be questioned before God about the covenant. This shows that the covenant is