Quranic Foundations And Structure Of Muslim Society
Chapter 3.
Duties to particular categories of non-relatives
1. Duty towards Neighbors.
2. Duty towards Friends and Associates.
3. Duties towards Orphans.
4. Duties towards Widows.
5. Duties towards the Needy and the Destitute.
6. Duties towards Guests and Wayfarers.
7. Duties towards Slaves.
(1) DUTY TOWARDS NEIGHBORS
Concerning one’s neighbors, the Holy Qur’an has classified them into two categories, namely:
(a) Neighbors who are near. Nearness includes here nearness in residence as well as nearness in relationship,—the relationship may be of any sort: family ties, religion, etc. Those who enjoy nearness in both ways have a double right on a Muslim.
(b) Neighbors who are strangers, i.e., those with whom we have no relationship, and those who reside at some distance from us, and those who belong to a different religion. Their rights would be naturally less than the rights of category (a).
For all of them, the comprehensive duty of doing good has been enjoined, as the following verse says:
“Serve Allah, and join not equals with Him and do good—to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and what your right hands possess: for Allah loves not the arrogant, the vainglorious; …” (4:36).
In respect of this duty, the Holy Prophet (Peace be on him) has given the following stern warning:—
“None of you will be (counted) a Believer unless he loves for his
neighbor what he loves for himself.” (Tirmizi: Jame‘, vol. 2, p. 16).
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(2) DUTY TOWARDS FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES
Doing good to friends and associates enjoined:
The verse quoted in connection with ‘duty to neighbors’ (4:36) speaks of the ‘companion by your side’ and enjoins the duty of doing good to him.
The words ‘companion by your side’ mean;
(a) a close friend, and
(b) he with whom one may be associated in any sphere of activity, e.g., a fellow-worker.
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to be continued . . . . .
Quranic Foundation & Structure Of Muslim Society In The End Times
JazakAllah for this reminder about our duties to neighbors, friends, and associates. The verse 4:36 quoted here — doing good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, the near neighbor and the stranger — shows how comprehensive the Quran's social teachings are. It pairs beautifully with what I take from my own Quran reading: Surah Yaseen, the heart of the Quran, constantly calls us to compassion and heedfulness, reminding us that our treatment of others is a trust from Allah. Reading such verses with their meaning, as this blog presents them, turns duty into love. May Allah reward you for spreading these teachings.
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