Worship Allah and join none with Him (in worship); and
do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor),
the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is
a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer
(you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess.
(Noble Qur'an, 4:36)
Sayyed Jawad Ameli, a great Mujtahid, was having his dinner
when someone knocked at his door. A servant from his master,
Ayatullah Sayyed Mehdi Bahrul Uloom, appeared and said:
"Your master has sent for you to come immediately. He has
just sat down for his dinner but refuses to eat until he sees you."
There was no time to lose. Sayyed Jawad Ameli left his dinner
and rushed to Ayatullah Sayyed Mehdi Bahrul Uloom's residence.
Just as he entered, the master looked disapprovingly at him
and said: "Sayyed Jawad! You have no fear of Allah! Don't you
feel ashamed in front of Allah?"
This came as a shock to him, as he could not remember doing
anything to incur the wrath of his master. Sayyed Jawad Ameli
said: "My master may guide me where I have failed."
Ayatullah Sayyed Mehdi Bahrul Uloom replied: "It is now a week
that your neighbor and his family are without wheat and rice.
He was trying to buy some dates from a shop on credit but
the shopkeeper refused to grant him any more credit.
He returned home empty-handed and the family is without
a morsel of food."
Sayyed Jawad Ameli was taken by surprise. "By Allah", he said,
"I have no knowledge about this." That is why I am displeased
all the more.
How can you be unaware of your own neighbor? Seven days of
difficulties have passed and you tell me you do not know about it.
Well, If you had known and ignored him despite your knowledge,
then you would not even he a Muslim,"
Ayatullah Sayyed Mehdi Bahrul Uloom adjoined. Then he instructed
him to take all the dishes of food before him to his neighbor.
"Sit with him to eat, so that he does not feel ashamed. And
take this sum for his future ration. Place it under his pillow or
carpet so that he is not humiliated, and inform me when
this work is completed, for not until then shall I eat."
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said,
"There are Three categories of neighbours. First: one who has
Three rights upon you. This is the one who is a Muslim neighbour
and also a relative. Second: One who has two rights.
A Muslim neighbour and third: The Kafir neighbour who has only
the rights of a neighbour."
