Every utterance of our Beloved Nabi is full of beauty and wisdom. His advice is short and concise but is sufficient to convey volumes of lessons. This Hadith reminds us of three important issues.

Kindness towards ones neighbours is an important part of our Deen. Islam encourages us to be kind and considerate to our neighbours. In fact a sign of a true believer is that he is kind to his neighbours. In one hadith Nabi (saw) said “He is not a true Mu’min who spends the night on a full stomach while his neighbour remains hungry” (Haakim).

 In the apartheid era (in South Africa) when the group areas act was enforced, Muslims were surrounded by their Muslims friends. However, when democracy was established, many Muslims moved into the various outlined suburbs which are predominantly inhabited by non Muslims. This provides an ideal opportunity to present the beauty of Islam to our non Muslim neighbours. We should meet them and attract them to Islam with Akhlaaq and sound Islamic morals. Try to help them rather than causing harm to them.

 The second advice is to honour ones guest. This was a common feature in the Sahabah. They entertained their guest even though it meant to sacrifice their own desires. It is unfortunate nowadays the custom of entertaining guests is diminishing from the Ummah. It is for this reason there has been a steady increase in the number of restaurants in our country. In previous times our forefathers would never allow a guest to leave a town until he shared a meal or a night with them. That was the fundamental reason for Allah’s mercy and Barakah to descend upon them. This approach of theirs also contributed towards the love and unity among them.  

The third advice is to protect our tongue. Many get involved in unnecessary issues due to the evils of their tongues. Many talk without pondering over what they say. Sometimes their utterances cause such damage to others that the damage is irreparable. A simple prescription is given by Nabi (saw). Say that what is beneficial otherwise remain silent.