The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!" It was said, "Who is that, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" He said, "That person whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil."
Hadith Text and Context
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe! By Allah, he does not believe!" It was said, "Who is that, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" He said, "That person whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil."
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6016 | Book: Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)
Triple Emphasis on Disbelief
The Prophet's triple repetition of "By Allah, he does not believe!" serves as a powerful rhetorical device to emphasize the gravity of harming one's neighbor. This emphatic style indicates that the matter is of utmost importance in the Islamic faith.
Scholars explain that this does not necessarily mean complete expulsion from Islam, but indicates a severe deficiency in faith (iman) to the point where one's claim to belief becomes questionable before Allah.
Definition of Neighbor in Islamic Law
Classical scholars like Imam al-Nawawi define "neighbor" as including those up to forty houses in every direction. This broad definition reflects Islam's emphasis on community welfare and social responsibility beyond immediate proximity.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the neighbor's rights include protection from physical harm, verbal abuse, prying eyes, and any form of disturbance or inconvenience.
The Nature of "Evil" Mentioned
The "evil" (sharr) referenced encompasses all forms of harm - physical, verbal, psychological, and even nuisance. This includes loud noises, offensive smells, blocking pathways, or any action that disturbs the neighbor's peace.
Imam al-Ghazali explains that true faith requires not merely abstaining from harm, but actively ensuring the neighbor's comfort and security, reflecting the comprehensive nature of Islamic ethics.
Practical Implications for Believers
This hadith establishes that neighborly rights are among the most fundamental obligations in Islam. A Muslim must constantly examine whether their actions - even seemingly minor ones - cause discomfort to those living nearby.
The scholars conclude that perfecting one's treatment of neighbors is a sign of complete faith, while negligence in this matter indicates a serious spiritual deficiency requiring immediate repentance and reform.