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acknowledged by Islam is that of piety and good deeds in the service of God (Qur’ an,
9:105; 49:13)
Man is ordained by God to extend his utmost help and kindness to other family
members and relations, to show them true feelings of love and care. It might be
interesting to note that the world ‘kinship’ in Arabic is derived from a root word
which means mercy (Rahim and Rahmah). Kindness to one’ s kinsfolk is a short cut to
Paradise, which is otherwise forbidden for those who neglect their duties in this
respect. The extension of kind treatment to relatives is described by the Prophet as a
Divine blessing of one’ s life and provisions. It is a sacred duty to be good to the kin
even though they may not respond in a similar way. The duty is enjoined by God and
should be observed for the sake of God regardless of the kin’ s response (Qur’ an,
2:117; 4:36; 16:90; 17:23-26)
The status of neighbors is very high in the viewpoint of Islam. Neighbors of all kinds
enjoy a great number of privileges conferred on them by Islam. In his elaboration on
the Qur’ anic teachings relevant to this point, Prophet Muhammad is reported as
saying that nobody can be true Believer unless his neighbors feel secure and safe from
his side. Also, nobody can be a true Believer, if his neighbors pass the night hungry
while he has his belly full. He who is best to his neighbors, stated the Prophet, will
enjoy the neighborhood of God on the Day of Resurrection. Presents, gifts and
sharing of joys and sorrows should be exchanged between neighbors. In another
declaration the Prophet said : “ Do you know what the rights of a neighbor are? Help
him if he asks your help; give him relief if he seeks your relief; lend him if he needs
loan; show him concern if he is distressed; nurse him when he is ill; attend his funeral
if he dies; congratulate him if he meets any good; sympathize with him if any
calamity befalls him; do not block his air by raising your building high without his
permission; harass him not; give him a share when you buy fruits, and if you do not
give him, bring your buys right to your house quietly and let not your children take
them out to excite the anger of his children” . Moreover, the Prophet is reported as
having said that the rights of the neighbors were so much emphasized by the angel
Gabriel that he thought neighbors would perhaps be entitled to partake of one’ s
inheritance. (See also the verse number in the previous paragraph)
The Social Life
The social life of the true Muslim is based upon supreme principles and designed to
secure happiness with prosperity for the individual as well as for the society. Class
warfare, social castes and domination of the individual over society or viceversa are
alien to the social life of Islam. Nowhere in the Qur’ an or the Traditions of Prophet
Muhammad can one find any mention of superiority on account of class or origin or
wealth. On the contrary, there are many verses of the Qur’ an and sayings of
Muhammad to remind mankind of the vital facts of life, facts which serve at the same
time as principles of the social structure of the Islamic life. Among these is the fact
that humanity represents one family springing from one and the same father and
mother, and aspiring to the same ultimate goals
The unity of mankind is conceived in the light of the common parentage of Adam and
Eve. Every human being is a member of the universal family established by the First
Father and First Mother, and is entitled therefore to enjoy the common benefits as he
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