The Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship

Sahih Muslim 2624 a

Hadith Text

"Gabriel impressed upon me (kind treatment) towards the neighbour (so much) that I thought as if he would confer upon him the (right) of inheritance."

Commentary by Imam An-Nawawi

This noble hadith demonstrates the immense importance Islam places on the rights of neighbors. The Prophet's statement indicates that Angel Gabriel repeatedly emphasized neighborly rights with such intensity that the Prophet anticipated neighbors would be granted inheritance rights like blood relatives.

The expression "I thought" (ظننت) here indicates strong expectation, showing how extensively Gabriel stressed this matter. This establishes that kind treatment to neighbors is among the greatest obligations in Islam, second only to duties toward Allah and one's parents.

Scholarly Insights

Scholars explain that this hadith establishes three levels of neighborly rights: the neighbor who is also a relative has three rights (neighbor, kinship, and Islam); the Muslim neighbor has two rights; and the non-Muslim neighbor has the right of neighborhood.

The neighborhood includes approximately forty houses in every direction. The rights include: greeting them, visiting them when sick, accepting their invitations, offering condolences, congratulating them, advising them, protecting their honor, and assisting them in times of need.

Practical Application

A true Muslim must not harm neighbors through word or deed. One should share food with them, give gifts, speak kindly, and overlook their faults. The Prophet warned that one whose neighbor is not safe from his harm will not enter Paradise.

This teaching elevates social responsibility to the level of worship, making kind treatment of neighbors an essential characteristic of Islamic faith and practice.