(Photo: a.prakharevich)

Neighbors, as we all well know, are super important in Islam. The rights that they have upon us are so great. In fact, check out these two Hadiths of the Prophet (saw) about neighbors:

Ibn `Umar and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Jibril kept recommending treating neighbours with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded me thus, “O Abu Dharr! Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and and give some of it to your neighbours”.
[Muslim].

Both Hadiths are clearly important and greatly emphasize the rights of neighbors upon you and me.  Today, we want to focus on the second one.  Today, we want to look out for our neighbors’ stomachs.  Today, we want to give our neighbors some food.

Now, don’t think you have to cook up a storm.  Allah (swt) knows that many of us, especially the men, will insult our neighbors if we present them with our horrible cooking.  Sometimes it is best to give them something simple and ready to eat (cookies?).  Of course, though, if you can provide them with a fresh, delicious, and fulfilling home-cooked meal — then all the power to you and may Allah (swt) reward you extra.

The Prophet (saw) reminded us over and over of the rights of our neighbors upon us.  I think we can all agree that the least we can do is give them a warm smile, a friendly hello, and a small bite to eat.  May Allah (swt) reward all of you who act upon this advice — and reward the one who suggested this post to me.

Filed under: Society