The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) was a true example of mercy, kindness, peace, and justice. Another fine example to prove this is the noble teaching he passed on concerning the treatment of neighbors, indeed, there was not a single aspect of society that the prophet did not touch on in terms of how Muslims should behave.
In regards to how Muslims must conduct themselves with their neighbors we are told the following:
Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 45:
Narrated Abu Shuraih: The Prophet 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 Apostle?” He said, “That person whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil.”
Notice the stern warning the prophet Muhammed (PBUH) gave. He repeated himself three times stating that a person has a deep lack of faith if their neighbor fears evil from the person. In other words, one must not be evil or bad to his neighbor, and his neighbor should have no fear of any harm coming to him. Basically, having good relations, and treating your neighbor properly is an aspect of faith in Islam!
This message is repeated in another hadith from the prophet:
Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 47:
Narrated Abu Huraira Allah’s Apostle said, “Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor
So here the prophet clearly states that a person who has faith, must not harm his neighbor, again we see that treating one’s neighbor properly is an aspect of faith.
In another hadith the prophet taught the following:
Bukhari Volume 8, Book 73, Number 46:
Narrated Abu Huraira The Prophet used to say, “O Muslim ladies! A neighbouress should not look down upon the present of her neighbouress even it were the hooves of a sheep.”
So a Muslim should always be thankful for whatever his or her neighbor gives as a gift, even if it is something of no great value. This is a great teaching, as this will lead to better relations and friendship, it will not hurt the feelings of the neighbor who gives the gifts, and it will also lead to humbleness and modesty.
If we could all follow these teachings, this world would be a much better peaceful, and friendly world! The Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) was most certainly a mercy to mankind as these teachings prove.
And Allah Knows Best!
Written by sami zaatari