Mujahid reported that a sheep was slaughtered for 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr. He asked his slave, 'Have you given any to our Jewish neighbour? Have you given any to our Jewish neighbour? I heard the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, 'Jibril kept on recommending that I treat my neighbours well until I thought that he would order me to treat them as my heirs.'"
Neighbours
Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 105
Hadith Commentary
This narration from Abdullah ibn Amr demonstrates the profound emphasis Islam places on neighborly rights, regardless of religious differences. The repetition in questioning his slave shows Abdullah's meticulous concern for fulfilling this obligation.
The mention of Angel Jibril's persistent recommendation indicates this is no ordinary matter but a fundamental principle of faith. The hyperbolic expression "until I thought he would order me to treat them as my heirs" underscores the weight and priority given to neighbors' rights in Islamic teachings.
Scholars note that this hadith establishes that kindness to neighbors includes sharing food, especially on occasions of celebration or blessing. The Jewish neighbor's inclusion specifically teaches that Muslim obligations extend to non-Muslim neighbors, affirming the universal application of good conduct in Islam.
Juridical Rulings
The majority of scholars hold that maintaining good relations with neighbors is wajib (obligatory), with some considering it fard kifayah (collective obligation).
Neighbors' rights include: greeting them, visiting them when sick, sharing food, offering sincere counsel, and avoiding harm through word or deed.
The neighborhood extends approximately forty houses in all directions, though some scholars define it by audible proximity or customary recognition.
Spiritual Dimensions
Ibn Hajar notes that this hadith connects proper treatment of neighbors to complete faith, as the Prophet said, "By Allah, he does not believe," repeated three times, when asked about whom, he said, "He whose neighbor is not safe from his harm."
Al-Qurtubi explains that the constant emphasis from Jibril signifies that neighborly rights are among the most emphasized social obligations in Islam, second only to duties toward Allah and one's parents.