Please forgive us for any disturbance, but we have an important subject
to address to you regarding FAITH, and we Don't intend to overload your email
with unnecessary messages...

Neighbors


Up to Seven Doors Away
The Qur’an tells us that all of mankind is descended from one couple, Adam and
Eve. Thus we are all brothers and sisters, and our differences in languages and
colors are but a mercy that we might know one another. Language and race should
never be a reason for discriminating against people.
A Muslim should maintain good relations with his relatives, but he should not
unjustly favor them over others. Further, a Muslim must be good to his
neighbors, no matter their religion. But the Prophet (peace and blessings be
upon him) taught us that a “neighbor” is not just the one next door but includes
all those up to seven doors away - effectively a whole neighborhood.
This concern for our neighbors can take many forms. It means to ensure that our
neighbors have the basic necessities, for a Muslim should not eat if his or her
neighbor is going hungry. It means that Muslims should wish for their neighbors
what they wish for themselves. It means sharing their happiness and sorrow.
Further, it means to not spy on them and respect their privacy, to not gossip
about them, to not harm them in any way, and to keep common use areas — such as
apartment building entrances, streets and sidewalks — clean.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was told of a woman who
prayed and fasted a lot and gave alms generously, but whose neighbors complained
of her abusive tongue. He said that she would be in Hellfire. When he was told
of another woman who did not do all those extra acts of worship but whose
neighbors were happy with her, he said that she would be in Paradise . Thus we
see the importance of being good to our neighbors, both in actions and words.
For more information:
http://www.geocities.com/fares22uae/links.html


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]