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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Anecdotes of The Ahlul Bayt Human Rights Dealing with Unprovoked Annoyance One day a man came to the Holy Prophet (s) seeking advice on how to deal with his neighbour’s unprovoked annoying behaviour. He (s) said, ‘Be patient and do not raise any hue and cry. Besides, try changing your own attitude towards him.’ A few days later the man returned more exasperated than before. He (s) repeated, ‘Be patient’.

The third time the man came, he was at the end of his rope. He said, ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t take anymore. He is pestering me and my family beyond measure.’ The Holy Prophet (s) then advised him, ‘Today is Friday. Go home and place your household baggage on the main street where people can see it. When they ask you the reason tell them that your neighbour’s behaviour is unbearable. Thus, everyone will learn about your complaint.’ The man followed the Holy Prophet’s (s) advice to the letter.

His neighbor was under the impression that he would continue bearing his excesses, not realizing that Islam preaches forbearance to a certain limit. Once that limit is crossed, the oppressor has to face the consequences. Transgressors do not deserve anyone’s respect.

As soon as he learnt that his neighbour had decided to place his excesses into the people’s court, and was apprising them of his behaviour, he got unnerved, and begging forgiveness, requested him to take his baggage back to his house. He promised never to bother him again, and maintain good neighbourly relations with him. Protecting Ones Rights Samra ibn e Jundab planted a date-palm in the orchard of an Ansar (Medinite). The domestic lodgings of the owner were within the precincts of his orchard.

Samra was granted the right to enter the orchard to water his tree or pick fruit when ripe. However, Samra abused the right granted by Islamic law. He entered the orchard nonchalantly, in fact, irresponsibly, without announcing himself. In the domestic quarters of the owner, his family members were busy in their chores, sometimes not dressed for strangers’ eyes. The owner requested him to observe the rules of Islamic etiquette and enter after gaining permission from his family members.

Samra blatantly refused to comply with his request and walked in without announcing himself. He also eyed whatever he saw, not lowering his gaze as commanded by Almighty Allah.