Hadith #1815

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 provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of having a good neighbor. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his profound wisdom and knowledge, advises us to be a neighbor to someone who ensures our safety from their evil and whose goodness does not turn away from us.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith by analyzing the key words and their significance. The word (jaawirman) "جاوِرْمَنْ" refers to a neighbor, someone who resides near us. The word (ta'manu) "تَأمَنُ" means to be safe or secure from harm. (sharruhu) "شَرَّهُ" denotes the evil or harm that a neighbor may potentially cause. On the other hand, (khayruhu) "خَيْرُهُ" signifies the goodness or benefits that a neighbor can bring.

To understand the importance of having a good neighbor, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the significance of maintaining good relations with neighbors in several verses. In Surah An-Nisa (4:36), Allah says,

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 position in the list of those who deserve our kindness and good treatment.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'un (107:1-3), Allah warns against neglecting the rights of neighbors, saying,

Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan. And does not encourage the feeding of the poor. So woe to those who pray but are heedless of their prayer.

This verse serves as a reminder that neglecting the rights of our neighbors can have severe consequences.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith urges us to be cautious in choosing our neighbors. We should seek out those who not only refrain from causing harm but also actively contribute to our well-being. A good neighbor is someone who not only respects our rights but also goes beyond that to offer support, kindness, and cooperation.

By being a neighbor to someone from whom we are safe from harm, we create an environment of trust and security. This allows us to live peacefully and harmoniously, fostering a sense of community and unity. We can rely on each other for help, support, and protection, knowing that our neighbor has our best interests at heart.

On the other hand, a neighbor whose goodness does not turn away from us is someone who consistently displays kindness, compassion, and generosity. They are reliable and dependable, always ready to lend a helping hand. Such a neighbor brings positivity into our lives and contributes to the overall well-being of the community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith encourages us to reflect on the impact our neighbors have on our lives. It reminds us to choose our neighbors wisely, as they can either enhance our lives or cause us harm. By being mindful of this advice, we can create a society where individuals support and uplift one another, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of having a good neighbor. It urges us to seek out neighbors who ensure our safety from harm and whose goodness is unwavering. By following this advice, we can create a harmonious and supportive community, where individuals look out for one another and contribute to each other's well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us in choosing righteous neighbors and bless us with the ability to be good neighbors ourselves.