Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the final Messenger of Islam, was not only a religious leader but a living embodiment of mercy, compassion, and justice. Among his many admirable qualities, his treatment of neighbors stood out as a profound example for all of humanity, regardless of race, religion, or background.

The Qur’an on Neighbor’s Rights

Allah Almighty says:

“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor…” —Surah An-Nisa (4:36)

This verse places neighborly conduct immediately after parents and relatives, emphasizing the high status of neighbors in Islam.

Hadith on the Rights of Neighbors

1. Jibreel’s Emphasis on Neighbors
The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Jibreel kept advising me about the neighbor until I thought he would make him my heir.” (Sahih Bukhari 6014; Sahih Muslim 2624)

This indicates the extraordinary importance of the neighbor in Islam.

2. True Faith Linked to Kindness Toward Neighbors
The Prophet ﷺ said:

“By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer!” He was asked: “Who, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied: “The one whose neighbor is not safe from his harm.”

(Sahih Bukhari 6016)

A person’s faith is questioned if their neighbor is not safe from their behavior—practical

Examples from the Life of the Prophet ﷺ
Kindness to a Jewish Neighbor.

The Prophet ﷺ had a Jewish neighbor whose son fell ill. The Prophet ﷺ personally visited him and invited him to Islam. The boy looked at his father, and the father said: “Obey Abul Qasim.”

The boy accepted Islam before he died.
(Reported in Abu Dawud and others)
This story reflects the Prophet’s gentleness even with non-Muslim neighbors.

Giving Simple Gifts to Neighbors
The Prophet ﷺ said:

“O Muslim women, do not look down upon any gift to your neighbor, even if it is just a sheep’s hoof.” (Sahih Bukhari 2566)

Islam encourages generosity — even the smallest acts of kindness count.

Sayings of the Sahabah (Companions)
Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) He used to say,

“If you cook something, add extra broth and give some to your neighbor.” Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)
He said, “Failing to fulfill the rights of neighbors is among the gravest sins.”

Opinions of Classical Scholars
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (RA) In Fath al-Bari, he writes:

“The rights of neighbors are so significant that Allah will question us about them on the Day of Judgment — even showing kindness to a neighbor’s animal is part of good neighborliness.”

Imam Nawawi (RA)

In his commentary on Sahih Muslim, he said:
“The right of the neighbor is not limited to Muslims only — it applies to non-Muslims, relatives, and strangers alike.”

Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s behavior with neighbors is not only part of his noble Seerah (biography) but a universal model for peaceful co-existence. His teachings make it clear that a true believer cannot neglect the rights and well-being of their neighbors, whether they are Muslim or not. (ﷺ)
Following his example will not only elevate our character but will also build stronger, more compassionate communities.