Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

16 October 2026 / 5 Jamadilawal 1448H

Islam and The Etiquette of Neighbourliness

 

Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,

Observe taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. by obeying all His commands and avoiding all His prohibitions. May we be among His servants who remain steadfast. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

 

Dear Friday congregation,

One of the teachings of Rasulullah s.a.w. is caring for our neighbours. The Prophet s.a.w. said: “Jibril kept advising me about the neighbour until I thought the neighbour would be given a right to inherit.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) Why must we do good to our neighbours? Why has Allah made it one of the signs of our faith? Allah s.w.t. says in Surah an-Nisa’, verse 36:

Which means: “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and be good to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, the neighbour who is near, and the neighbour who is far...”

Blessed congregation,

Allah created human beings to live together. Apart from our family, who lives closest to us? Our neighbours. Allah s.w.t. is All-Knowing of what nurtures our hearts and what unites people. In His wisdom, He made the rights of neighbours and good treatment of them a sign of faith, one that binds our hearts together and makes life more meaningful.

In neighbourly life, we see one another as we truly are. Our neighbours see us leave and return home. They hear how we speak to our families, and they observe how we handle challenges and trials.

Therefore, the character we display reflects the teachings of Islam to our neighbours. They may not learn about it from religious talks, but they come to know it through the values and manners we show in our daily lives.

Blessed congregation,

How can we be good neighbours? Consider three simple ways rooted in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.:

Firstly: Get to know them

Being a good neighbour begins with acknowledging their presence. When we meet, let us smile and greet them with simple words. This is in line with the Sunnah of the Prophet s.a.w., who encouraged us to take the initiative in greeting others and to spread the Salam, so that affection may bind us together.

Secondly: Share our food with them

Rasulullah s.a.w. also advised: “When you cook a stew, add more water to it, and give some to your neighbours.” (Narrated by Muslim) Note, dear brothers, that what matters is not the type of food or the quantity of the dish, but the intention and thoughtfulness behind our gesture towards our neighbours.

Thirdly: Extend help when they are in need

Besides family, neighbours are the first to help and the first who should be helped. When someone is struck by hardship, outside help may take time to arrive, but neighbours are close at hand and ready. Consider the saying of Rasulullah s.a.w.: “A person whose stomach is full while his neighbour goes hungry does not have complete faith.” (Narrated by Al-Baihaqi)

Reflect, dear brothers: Can we have the heart to live in comfort while our neighbours are left in hardship? Or is this an area we can improve, in answer to the call of faith?

Dear congregation,

We can choose whom we invite into our homes. But we cannot choose who our neighbours are. This is Allah’s decree, and Islam has established the rights owed to those known as neighbours.

Therefore, let us uphold the rights of our neighbours as best we can. May Allah s.w.t. continue to protect our relationships and grant us harmony and affection. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

 

 

 

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