Hadith #1819

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ أحْسَنَ إلى جيرانِهِ كَثُرَ خَدَمُهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who is good to his neighbors gets many helpers.

Let us delve into the connotation of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ahsana) "أحْسَنَ" in this Hadith means to do good or to excel in goodness. It signifies going beyond the minimum requirements and treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion. The word (jiran) "جيرانِهِ" refers to one's neighbors, not only those who live in close proximity, but also those with whom we interact regularly. This includes both Muslims and non-Muslims, as Islam emphasizes the importance of good conduct towards all people.

The Hadith highlights the reciprocal nature of kindness. When we are good to our neighbors, we create an environment of harmony and unity. This, in turn, encourages others to reciprocate the kindness, leading to a supportive community. The phrase (kathura khadamuhu) "كَثُرَ خَدَمُهُ" means that the one who is good to their neighbors will have many helpers. This implies that when we treat our neighbors well, they will be inclined to assist us in times of need, whether it be through physical help, emotional support, or even spiritual guidance.

The importance of being good to our neighbors is emphasized in the Quran as well. In Surah Al-Nisa, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 4:36)

Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.

This verse highlights the significance of treating our neighbors with kindness and respect, placing them alongside parents, relatives, and other deserving individuals. It reminds us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) does not approve of those who neglect their neighbors or disregard their rights.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'un, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against those who neglect their neighbors, saying, (Quran 107:4-7)

So woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer - those who make show [of their deeds] and withhold [simple] assistance.

This verse emphasizes that true worship is not limited to ritual acts of prayer, but also includes fulfilling the rights of others, including our neighbors. It condemns those who perform acts of worship but fail to provide simple assistance to those in need.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the Quranic verses mentioned above highlight the importance of being good to our neighbors. When we treat our neighbors with kindness, we not only create a harmonious and supportive community, but we also fulfill our religious obligations. By doing so, we earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and set an example for others to follow.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the reciprocal nature of kindness towards our neighbors. When we are good to them, we not only benefit from their assistance but also contribute to the creation of a harmonious community. This concept is reinforced by the Quranic verses that emphasize the importance of treating our neighbors with kindness and fulfilling their rights. As Muslims, it is our duty to embody these teachings and strive to be good neighbors, fostering a sense of unity and compassion within our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to fulfill this important obligation and earn His pleasure.