Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 112
Ibn ‘Abbas informed Ibn az-Zubayr, “I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, ‘He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.’”
From this hadith, we learn about the importance of caring for one’s neighbors and being mindful of their well-being. The Prophet Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, emphasized that a true believer is not someone who satisfies their own hunger while neglecting the needs of their neighbor.
This hadith teaches us several lessons:
- The importance of empathy: A believer should empathize with the struggles and needs of their neighbors. It is not enough to focus solely on one’s own well-being; caring for others, especially those in close proximity, is an essential part of faith.
- The obligation to alleviate hunger: The hadith highlights the significance of ensuring that our neighbors have their basic needs met, particularly when it comes to food. It encourages believers to take proactive measures to alleviate hunger and not turn a blind eye to the suffering of those around them.
- The interconnectedness of the community: Islam emphasizes the interconnectedness of the community, where individuals are responsible for one another’s welfare. The hadith underscores the idea that neglecting the needs of one’s neighbor contradicts the principles of faith and weakens the bonds of the community.
- Balancing personal needs with communal responsibilities: While self-care is important, this hadith reminds us to strike a balance between satisfying our own needs and fulfilling our responsibilities towards others. It encourages believers to be mindful of the disparities around them and act selflessly to promote justice and equality within their communities.
Overall, this hadith serves as a reminder that true faith involves actively engaging with and addressing the needs of our neighbors, ensuring that no one around us suffers while we enjoy abundance. It reinforces the principles of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility within the Islamic framework.
