AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): In contemporary society, where interpersonal communication is increasingly diminishing and living in apartments has led to fewer interactions, it is particularly significant to reflect on the life of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) concerning neighborly conduct.
The status of neighbors in Islam
In Islam, the significance of respecting one’s neighbor is paramount, as underscored by the teachings of the Holy Quran and the AhlulBayt (a.s.).
In this regard, God says in the Quran: “وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ” (Worship Allah and do not ascribe any partners to Him, and be good to parents, the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the near neighbour and the distant neighbour…) (Holy Quran, 4: 36)
This verse from the Quran distinctly emphasizes that respecting neighbors’ rights is nearly as significant as worshipping God, indicating the critical nature of this matter within Islamic society. Similarly, in contemporary apartment living, neighbors contribute significantly to the overall quality of life. Upholding mutual rights fosters an environment of peace and comfort for all.
The Holy Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) conduct in relation to neighbors, respect and love for them
The life of the Holy
Prophet (p.b.u.h) highlights one of the most significant principles regarding
neighbors, that is the emphasis on respect and affection towards them.
The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) emphasized respecting the neighbors to the extent that he said: “Gabriel instructed me so much regarding the neighbor, that I began to believe a neighbor would inherit from another neighbor!” (Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 72, p. 34)
In the context of apartment living, respect encompasses maintaining silence, refraining from disturbing others, demonstrating empathy, and offering assistance to neighbors. Throughout his life, the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) exemplified these principles and encouraged others to honor the rights of those living as neighbors.
Patience and tolerance in the face of disturbance from neighbors
One of the notable points in the lifestyle of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) was his patience and tolerance in the face of disturbance from his neighbors. It is reported in the hadiths that one of the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) neighbors consistently disturbed him. The Prophet (PBUH) not only refrained from responding to him but consistently approached him with compassion and forgiveness. This conduct ultimately led that neighbor to feel remorse for his actions and cease his harassment.
Patience plays a crucial role in apartment living. We may encounter neighbors who, whether intentionally or unintentionally, cause us some discomfort. However, tolerance and kindness in our interactions with them can foster better relationships and contribute to a more peaceful atmosphere.
Contributing to solving problems, and participating in neighbors’ joys
The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h),
as the leader of the Islamic community, consistently demonstrated a keen
awareness of the issues and requirements faced by his neighbors. He often
rushed to assist his neighbors, and whenever there was someone in need among
his neighbors, he would offer his support to the best of his ability. This
conduct serves as a model for contemporary apartment residents. By showing
empathy and engaging with one another’s problems, neighbors can foster a warm
and amicable atmosphere.
In a Hadith, Imam Ali (a.s.) says: “A believer’s neighbor is protected from his mistreatment.” (Nahj al-Balagha, Hadith no. 317)
This hadith indicates that respecting the neighbors’ rights and helping them is one of the distinctive characteristics of a believer, and the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) always applied this principle in his life.
Comparing the lifestyle of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) with contemporary apartment life
Contemporary apartment living often presents numerous challenges in neighborly relations, primarily due to the close physical proximity of residents and the constraints of limited space. Some of the challenges include noise, the frequent use of public spaces, and issues related to cleanliness.
Considering the Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) lifestyle, the following solutions are provided to improve relations between neighbors in these environments:
Respect for personal space and territory: Respecting the rights and personal territory of the neighbors is one of the principles that must be observed in living in an apartment complex. The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) always emphasized respecting the personal territory of others.
Assistance and compassion: Like the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h), who always rushed to aid his neighbors, the help and understanding among neighbors today can alleviate numerous issues.
Observance of order and silence: Creating noise, and disorder in the apartment environment is another common problem. In all matters of his life, the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) emphasized respecting the order and rights of others. This can also be observed in living in an apartment complex.
The Holy Prophet’s (p.b.u.h) lifestyle in communication with neighbors is a perfect model for social life that can be used in modern apartment life. Respecting others’ rights, patience and tolerance in the face of their disturbance, and helping neighbors are among the principles the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) applied in his life. We can also create a calm and intimate environment for ourselves and our neighbors by following his example.
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