By Abdulkarim Abdulmalik
November 28, 2025
Good neighborliness occupies a central position in Islamic teaching and practice. Far from being a minor social virtue, it forms part of a comprehensive moral framework through which Islam seeks to build cohesive, compassionate, and morally responsible societies. The Qur’an, the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the long tradition of Muslim scholarship consistently emphasize the dignity of neighbors, the duty of mutual support, and the imperative of peaceful coexistence. In an era of rising urbanization, cultural diversity, and global tension, revisiting Islamic teachings on neighborliness offers insight into how Muslims can positively shape communal harmony in today’s world.
*Foundations in the Qur’an*
The Qur’an provides several guidelines that place neighborly relations within the broader ethics of social responsibility. In Surah al-Nisā’ (4:36), Allah commands believers to “worship none but Him, and be good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those under your authority.” This verse does something extraordinary: it explicitly categorizes neighbors and places kindness to them alongside foundational duties such as worship and charity. Islamic scholars note that by listing different types of neighbors—near, far, related, unrelated, Muslim, and non-Muslim—the Qur’an establishes a universal ethic of neighborliness that transcends boundaries of ethnicity, religion, and social class.
The Qur’an also discourages actions that harm social cohesion. Backbiting, mockery, suspicion, and arrogance are condemned (Qur’an 49:11–12), not merely as personal vices but as threats to community harmony. The Qur’anic worldview, therefore, connects personal piety with communal well-being; a good Muslim is not only devoted to God but also beneficial to the people around him.
*Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)*
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provided practical frameworks for neighborly conduct. Numerous hadiths demonstrate how insistently he taught Muslims to protect the rights of neighbors. One of the most famous narrations states: “Jibrīl (Gabriel) continued to advise me on treating the neighbor well until I thought he would include him among my heirs.” (Bukhari and Muslim). This statement highlights not only the importance of neighbors but also their elevated moral and emotional status in Islam.
The Prophet declared: “He is not a believer whose neighbor is not safe from his harm.” (Sahih Muslim). Scholars interpret this narration to mean that causing harm to neighbors—physically, emotionally, or materially—constitutes a failure in faith. Thus, good neighborliness becomes both a social duty and a spiritual measure.
In his daily life, the Prophet modeled extraordinary compassion toward neighbors. He visited the sick, consoled those in distress, and exchanged gifts, even with neighbors who initially opposed him. The Prophet’s famous kindness to the Jewish neighbor who treated him harshly demonstrates the Islamic ideal of responding to hostility with grace. His willingness to build bridges across religious identities set the foundation for inclusive coexistence in plural societies.
*Classical and Contemporary Scholarly Views*
Classical scholars like Imam Al-Ghazali, Ibn Hajar, and Ibn Taymiyyah elaborated the rights of neighbors into practical guidelines. Their writings outline responsibilities such as avoiding harm, sharing food, offering greetings, visiting the sick, giving gifts, and assisting in times of difficulty. Some scholars extended these obligations to include helping neighbors with daily chores, resolving disputes, and maintaining environmental cleanliness.
Modern Muslim scholars connect these teachings with contemporary realities. They emphasize how urbanization has weakened social bonds, making Islamic principles of neighborliness more relevant than ever. In multi-religious societies, such as Nigeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of East Africa, Islamic neighborliness serves as a framework for interfaith harmony and peaceful cohabitation. The principles also support broader humanitarian values, such as community engagement, social welfare, and conflict prevention.
*Ethics of Good Neighborliness in Islam*
Islamic ethics see neighborliness as an embodiment of faith in action. Several dimensions stand out:
i) Protection from Harm
Islam prohibits harming neighbors through noise, pollution, aggressive behavior, property infringement, or any form of intimidation. Even emotional harm, such as gossiping or ridiculing neighbors, is discouraged.
ii) Assistance and Solidarity
Neighbors are urged to help one another during illness, bereavement, childbirth, or financial difficulty. Assistance may take simple forms, such as offering food, running errands, or checking in regularly.
iii) Respect and Courtesy
Islam commands Muslims to maintain good manners with neighbors—greetings, polite speech, respect for privacy, and maintaining boundaries. These small acts accumulate into a culture of mutual respect.
iv) Inclusivity and Non-Discrimination
The Islamic vision of neighborliness does not restrict kindness to Muslims. Non-Muslim neighbors share the same rights and are entitled to the same respect and protection. The Prophet’s interactions with Jews, Christians, and polytheists in Madina reflect this inclusivity.
v) Cooperative Living
Islam encourages neighbors to engage in shared activities that strengthen community bonds—collective cleaning, peaceful dispute resolution, and participation in communal events.
*Good Neighborliness in Contemporary Muslim Societies*
In modern contexts, where societies are increasingly diverse, Islamic principles of neighborliness offer pathways to peaceful coexistence. In Nigeria, for example, where Muslim and Christian communities live side by side, understanding Islamic teachings on respecting and supporting neighbors can reduce tension and promote unity. Muslim communities in urban centers such as Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Kaduna benefit socially when they practice the prophetic model of courtesy, cooperation, and non-harm.
Globally, the concept is also valuable for countering negative stereotypes about Muslims. When Muslims embody kindness and responsibility toward neighbors—Muslim or not—they reinforce the image of Islam as a religion of compassion and peace. Muslim minorities in Western countries often cite good neighborliness as a powerful tool for community integration and da‘wah (invitation to Islam). through character.
Furthermore, in humanitarian crises, such as natural disasters or communal conflicts, neighborly solidarity becomes a moral duty. Islamic teachings encourage Muslims to be the first responders for their neighbors, providing shelter, food, protection, and emotional support.
*Challenges and Opportunities*
Despite these lofty principles, modern challenges such as social isolation, economic pressure, and digital lifestyles weaken neighborly ties. Many people do not know those who live next door. Overcoming this requires intentional effort guided by Islamic teachings. Simple steps—regular greetings, sharing meals, community Islamic programs, interfaith dialogues, and neighborhood volunteer projects—can help rebuild lost connections.
Mosques also play a vital role. The Prophet’s mosque in Madina served not only as a place of worship but as a community center. Therefore, mosques could foster neighborhood bonds through welfare programs, cleaning initiatives, counseling, and social events that welcome all residents regardless of faith.
In summary, good neighborliness in Islam is far more than a polite custom; it is a moral and spiritual obligation rooted deeply in the Qur’an and Sunnah. By emphasizing protection from harm, mutual assistance, respect, and inclusiveness, Islam envisions neighborhoods as living units of compassion and cooperation. In a world marked by fragmentation and tension, practicing Islamic neighborliness can transform relationships, strengthen communities, and promote peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural divides. It remains one of the most practical and universally relevant teachings of Islam—an invitation to build better societies one neighbor at a time.
Abdulkarim Abdulmalik is Chairman, Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners Nigeria (GIMP-Nigeria)
