Hadith #1820

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May 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,

مِنَ المُرُوَّةِ تَعَهُّدُ الجيرانِ۔

This can be translated as,

Taking care of one's neighbor is an act of magnanimity.

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

The word (murwah) "مُرُوَّة" in this Hadith refers to kindness, benevolence, and good treatment. It encompasses the act of showing compassion, consideration, and generosity towards others. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of this virtue by highlighting the significance of fulfilling the rights of one's neighbor.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of kindness and good treatment towards others, including neighbors. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah 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...

This verse highlights the neighbor's importance and the obligation to treat them with kindness and respect.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nisa, Allah says, (Quran 4:36)

And 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...

This verse reiterates the importance of treating neighbors well and fulfilling their rights.

The act of taking care of one's neighbor is not limited to providing material assistance or fulfilling their physical needs. It encompasses a broader sense of responsibility and compassion. It includes being considerate of their feelings, respecting their privacy, and being mindful of their well-being. It involves being a source of support and comfort for them in times of difficulty and celebrating their joys.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us that taking care of our neighbors is an act of magnanimity. It is an expression of our noble character and a reflection of our faith. When we treat our neighbors with kindness and respect, we contribute to the harmony and well-being of our communities.

The consequences of neglecting the rights of our neighbors can have far-reaching implications. It can lead to strained relationships, animosity, and a breakdown of social cohesion. On the other hand, fulfilling the rights of our neighbors can foster a sense of unity, trust, and cooperation within our communities.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of this virtue. His teachings serve as a guide for Muslims to strive towards excellence in their character and conduct. By practicing the virtue of taking care of our neighbors, we not only fulfill a religious obligation but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reminds us of the importance of taking care of our neighbors. It is an act of magnanimity that reflects our faith and contributes to the well-being of our communities. By fulfilling the rights of our neighbors, we establish strong bonds of friendship, trust, and cooperation. Let us strive to embody this virtue and be a source of kindness and compassion to those around us. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in fulfilling our responsibilities towards our neighbors and grant us the ability to be a positive influence in our communities.