They say: We live next to a family that does not adhere to the teachings of Islam, and their children do not perform the obligatory prayer, and they are those upon whom it is obligatory, except for their father, who
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The questioner : From al-Kharj, this message reached us, sent by the listener 'M 'A 'A. He says in it: We live, or a family lives next to us, that does not adhere to the teachings of Islam, and their children do not perform the obligatory prayer, and they are those upon whom it is obligatory, except for their father, who adheres to praying in the mosque. Their women do not veil themselves from non-mahram men and others, and sometimes they give us vegetables and other things. Is it obligatory for us to accept them or not? And is it obligatory for us to visit them or not? We ask the sender to write his message in clear handwriting or to have someone write it on his behalf, because I am truly having great difficulty reading it.
The Shaykh : It is well known that the neighbor has a right over his neighbor, to the extent that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sahih Muslim 47a. The scholars say that if the neighbor is a close relative and a Muslim, he has three rights: the right of Islam, the right of kinship, and the right of neighborliness. If he is a Muslim neighbor who is not a close relative, he has two rights: the right of Islam and the right of neighborliness. If he is not a Muslim and not a close relative, he has the right of neighborliness. So these neighbors have rights over you, and you have rights over them. And it was reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him): Sahih Muslim 2625b.
The questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : What is recommended between you is the exchange of gifts; they take from you and you take from them, because that leads to affection and love. Then, if you fulfill what is obligatory upon you regarding honoring the neighbor, among the things that are obligatory for you toward him is that you advise him for the sake of Allah. So advise these people who are negligent in prayer and in the veiling of their women, and clarify to them what is obligatory in that matter. Perhaps Allah will guide them through your hands. As for shunning them, returning their gifts, distancing yourself from them, and turning away from them, this is not recommended, because it only increases the severity of the matter. Yes.
The Shaykh : It is well known that the neighbor has a right over his neighbor, to the extent that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should treat his neighbour with kindness
من كان يؤمن بالله واليوم الأخر فليُكرم جارهwhen you prepare the broth, add water to that and give that (as a present) to your neighbour.
إذا اشتريت مرقة فأكثر ماءها وتعاهد جيرانكThe questioner : Yes.
The Shaykh : What is recommended between you is the exchange of gifts; they take from you and you take from them, because that leads to affection and love. Then, if you fulfill what is obligatory upon you regarding honoring the neighbor, among the things that are obligatory for you toward him is that you advise him for the sake of Allah. So advise these people who are negligent in prayer and in the veiling of their women, and clarify to them what is obligatory in that matter. Perhaps Allah will guide them through your hands. As for shunning them, returning their gifts, distancing yourself from them, and turning away from them, this is not recommended, because it only increases the severity of the matter. Yes.