Dear Brothers and Sisters!

The requirements of Islam on neighbourhood relations are one of the most important principles that ensure social peace and harmony. Regardless of their religion, language and colour, these principles, which enable different societies to live together, have become a way of life for Muslims. Allah (swt) says in the Quran, “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbour, the neighbour farther away, the companion at your side, the traveller, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.”[1]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

For centuries, members of different races and faiths have lived in the same neighbourhoods in peace, based on respect, in towns where neighbourhood law is observed. What is helpful in the emergence of this desired picture is that the right of neighbourliness, which is a key part of Islamic morality, has shaped these behaviours. Rasulullah ﷺ has said, “Jibril kept advising me to be good to neighbours until I thought he would make them my heirs.”[2]. With this valuable word he expressed, our Rasulullah ﷺ stated that neighbourly relations are as valuable as kinship relations. 

Dear Jama’ah!

As Muslims, each of us has a duty to represent Islam in the societies where we live as the minority. We need to be aware that our actions do not only bind us personally but are associated with the religion of Islam itself. We should be aware that every good or bad behaviour we will show in society will be billed to Islam. We should keep in mind that the area that most determines people’s opinions about us is the neighbourhood relationship. Our neighbours, regardless of their religion or sect, have only the right to be neighbours and therefore they deserve good treatment. Sharing the pain of our neighbours, sharing their joy, and meeting their needs are praised as an acceptable form of worship in the sight of Allah (swt). Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had Jewish neighbours in Medina. He respected their rights and laws. Even when he was going to sacrifice and distribute his meat, Hz. Aisha (r.a.) told our mother, “Start with our Jewish neighbour.” he commanded.[3]

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Rasulullah ﷺ said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should not hurt his neighbour.”[4] He emphasised that being good neighbours is an inseparable part of our belief. As our religion commands, our good relations with our neighbours will not only bring us closer to Allah (swt) but will also enable different social segments to live together in peace and harmony.

May Allah (swt) make us among his servants who fulfil their duties and responsibilities towards their neighbours. Ameen!

[1] Surah An-Nisa 4:36

[2] Buhârî, Edeb, 28

[3] Kurtubî, el-Câmiul-ahkâmi’l-Kur’ân, V, 188

[4] Buhârî, Edeb, 31 (VIII, 13); Müslim, İman, 75

Khutba-Neighbourhood Rights