That implies that neighbors are granted security by each other.

That implies that neighbors are granted security by each other. The right of a neighbor is great both intellectually and religiously. The word ‘jar’ is used in any place where there is a great right as in the following verse: لاَ غَالِبَ لَكُمُ الْيَوْمَ مِنَ النَّاسِ وَإِنِّي جَارٌ لَّكُمْ “No one among men can overcome you this day, while I am near to you.” [The Holy Qur’an, al-Anfal 8:48] Here in the phrase ‘I am near to you’ in Arabic the word ‘jar’ is used.

‘Neighbors who are near’ in this verse has been interpreted by various commentators to imply various things. Some consider it to imply relatives. However, since the verses that have preceded this verse in the Qur’an refer to the rights of relatives this interpretation seems to be an unlikely meaning. Rather other implications seem to be more appropriate. It may mean neighbors who are closer to us in religion. “Neighbors who are strangers” implies physical distance.

According to traditions people living in up to forty houses away in either direction are considered our neighbors. It may also refer to non-Muslim neighbors who are not fighting with Muslims.[^1] Now that we have studied the Qur’anic verses regarding neighbors, we will briefly review the traditions on this issue. Traditions on the Rights of Neighbors There are many traditions about the rights of neighbors, their due respect and their role in our security.

The Prophet of God said: مَن أغْلَقَ بابَهُ خَوفاً مِن جارِهِ عَلى أهْلِهِ وَمالِهِ فَليسَ جارُهُ مُؤمِناً. “The neighbor because of whom one locks the door, out of fear for one’s family and wealth, is not a believer.” The Prophet of God was asked: “O Prophet of God!