Ibn 'Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Jibril kept on recommending that I treat my neighbours well until I thought that he would order me to treat them as my heirs."
Hadith Commentary: The Excellence of Neighbourly Rights
This profound narration from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 104, transmitted through the noble companion Ibn 'Umar, reveals the supreme importance Islam places on treating neighbours with excellence. The continuous emphasis from Angel Jibril demonstrates that neighbourly rights are not mere social etiquette but a fundamental religious obligation.
The Nature of Jibril's Recommendation
The repetition of recommendation indicates the gravity and centrality of this matter in Islamic teachings. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) thought neighbours might be made heirs, it signifies that the rights of neighbours approach the level of inheritance rights - among the most firmly established rights in Islamic law.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that this hadith establishes that good treatment of neighbours is among the greatest acts of worship and social responsibility. The exaggeration in the Prophet's perception shows that the obligation is so emphasized that it could be mistaken for making them legal heirs, though the shari'ah stopped short of this.
Practical Implications
This teaching necessitates that Muslims exhibit the highest standards of conduct toward neighbours: sharing food, offering assistance, speaking kindly, avoiding harm, and maintaining good relations regardless of religious differences. The neighbour's rights encompass both negative duties (avoiding harm) and positive duties (doing good).
Spiritual Significance
The divine emphasis through Angel Jibril indicates that proper treatment of neighbours is integral to one's faith and acceptance of deeds. It reflects the comprehensive nature of Islam that connects worship with social ethics, making good neighbourliness a means of drawing closer to Allah.