In Islam, the rights of neighbours hold a high place. The Prophet ﷺ repeatedly reminded his followers that good character is not only seen in worship but also in how we treat those around us. A true believer’s faith is reflected in the kindness shown even to those who may never return it.
One of the most beautiful examples of this teaching comes from the life of Imam Abu Hanifa.
Imam Abu Hanifa was known for his nights of prayer and Qur’an recitation during the hours of tahajjud. His neighbour, however, was a man who had fallen into the habit of drinking. Almost every night, he would sing loudly under the influence of alcohol, disturbing the silence of the night.
Anyone else might have complained or reacted harshly, but Imam Abu Hanifa bore it with patience. He never once confronted or insulted his neighbour. Instead, he continued his worship, leaving the matter to Allah.
One night, the usual disturbance was missing. The Imam noticed the strange silence and grew concerned. He inquired about his neighbour and learned that the man had been arrested and taken to jail.
Out of genuine concern, Imam Abu Hanifa, one of the most respected scholars and judges of his time, went to the prison himself. When the ruler heard of his visit, he was astonished. “What brings Imam Abu Hanifa to the prison?” he asked.
The Imam replied that his neighbour had been imprisoned and he had come to ask for his release. Out of respect for the Imam’s character and influence, the ruler immediately ordered the man’s freedom.
When the neighbour returned home, humbled and amazed, he asked the Imam, “Why did you do this for me?”
Imam Abu Hanifa replied, “As my neighbour, you have rights over me, and it is my duty never to overlook them.”
Those words struck his heart deeply. He was overwhelmed by such compassion from the very person he had wronged through his nightly behaviour. That night, the man repented sincerely to Allah and turned away from his sinful ways.
This incident is more than just a story of kindness. It shows the basic morals and qualities of aMumin such as patience, empathy, and responsibility.
- Neighbourly rights do not vanish with a person’s faults. Even if a neighbour behaves wrongly, Islam encourages patience and concern rather than anger or hatred.
- True care is shown in action. Imam Abu Hanifa did not just forgive but also helped his neighbour when he was in distress.
- Kindness can awaken hearts. A single act of mercy can lead someone back to faith and goodness.
- Strong societies begin with strong neighbourhoods. When people care for one another, even across differences, peace and respect spread naturally.
In today’s busy world, many live side by side yet remain strangers. We often forget that every person next door has rights upon us, the right to be safe from our harm, to be helped in difficulty, and to be treated with respect.
The story of Imam Abu Hanifa reminds us that our faith is not complete until compassion becomes part of our daily life. A believer’s greatness lies not in status, but in sincerity in caring for others even when it costs nothing more than kindness.