THE RELIGION OF HUMANITY: Islam’s Ethical and Spiritual Outlook

The Prophet of Islam said: “By the One in whose hand is my soul, a person cannot be a true believer until he loves for his neighbour—or his brother—what he loves for himself.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 45) In another narration: “He will not enter Paradise whose neighbour is not safe from his harm.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 46) In a separate hadith, it is reported: “The best companion in the sight of God is the one who is best to his companion, and the best neighbour in the sight of God is the one who is best to his neighbour.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1944) The Prophet also said: “Whoever believes in God should not harm his neighbour.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6018) And again: “Whoever believes in God should honour his neighbour.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6019) THE BROADER WISDOM OF HADITH Asma, the daughter of the first caliph of Islam, Abu Bakr, said: My (foster) mother came to visit me in Madinah. At that time, she was still a non-Muslim and was allied with the Quraysh. I asked, “O Prophet of Islam, my non-Muslim mother has come to me and she wants something from me. Should I give her something as an act of maintaining family ties?” The Prophet replied, “Yes, give to her.” (Sahih alBukhari, Hadith No. 3183; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1003)