My neighbors do not pray, and their main preoccupation is backbiting about so-and-so, and they are always quarreling with each other and insulting one another with the worst words.

The questioner : My neighbors do not pray, and their main preoccupation is backbiting about so-and-so, and they are always quarreling with each other and insulting one another with the worst words. My question is: What must I do toward them? Should I cut them off and not greet them, given that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged us to stand by our neighbor in many hadiths? Please inform us about this. May Allah reward you with the best reward.

The Shaykh : There is no doubt that a neighbor has rights over his neighbor, which Allah (Mighty and Majestic) made obligatory in His saying: It is also established from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: It is also established from him (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: They said: Who, O Messenger of Allah? He said: The neighbor has rights; if he is a Muslim neighbor who is a close relative, he has three rights: the right of kinship, the right of Islam, and the right of neighborliness. If he is only a Muslim neighbor, he has two rights: the right of Islam and the right of neighborliness. If he is a non-Muslim neighbor, he has one right, which is the right of neighborliness. If your neighbors are in the state I have described, there is no blame on you for going to them; indeed, it may be more fitting for you to go to them, advise them, and help them to abandon these matters and problems so that they may be upright in what they should be, namely in harmony and affection. Yes.

The questioner : May Allah bless you. A message signed by the listener... Muslim says.