Among the biggest of sins is harming or hurting ones neighbour in whatever form such as insulting him, cursing him, transgressing with regards to his property, his family, or disturbing his livelihood and other similar things that may amount to harming ones neighbour. The Messenger of Allaah encouraged us as Muslims to be good and kind to our neighbours. He once said, "Whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day, then let him be good to his neighbours" [Muslim]
1. Denial of entry into AI-Jannah: The person who hurts his neighbour may be punished in the Hell- Fire for his actions i.e. hurting his neighbour. It is reported from Abu Yahyah, the freed slave of AIJadah, who said that: I heard Abu Hurairah [RA] say: It was said to the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him], "O Messenger of A1laah, there is a woman who prays [voluntary prayers] at night and fasts during the day, but she hurts her neighbours with her tongue [by cursing and insulting them]. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said; "There is no good in her; she is in the Hell-Fire" [Adab al- Mufrad]
2. He is not a true believer: The person who hurts his neighbours frequently is not a true believer i.e. his faith is not complete. The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said; "By AIlaah he is not a believer. By AIlaah he is not a believer. By AIlaah he is not a believer. "The Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] was asked about whom he was referring to. The Prophet [peace and blessings of AIIaah be upon him] said; "The one with whom his neighbours are not safe from his evil acts" [Bukhari] In another narration, the Prophet [peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him] said; "Whoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day then he should not harm his neighbours" [Ahmad]
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited