‍

<div class="rte">
<p>You might remind your children to be polite or to say salaam to the neighbours without much thought. But beneath those small habits is a bigger lesson: being a good neighbour is part of our deen. </p>
<p>In this post, we’ll explore how to teach the rights of neighbours in Islam to your child through simple stories and practical ideas. </p>
<h2>Why Kindness with Neighbours Matters in Islam </h2>
<blockquote>
<p><strong>“Jibril kept advising me about the neighbour to the point that I thought he would inherit from me.” </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>(Bukhari &amp; Muslim) </strong></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Our neighbours are not just the people who live next door — they’re people Allah has placed in our lives on purpose. And like all relationships in Islam, there are rights attached: the right to feel safe, to be helped in hardship, to be greeted <a href="https://ruqayasbookshelf.com/blogs/islamic-parenting/kind-words-big-impact-giving-advice-in-islam-the-right-way?_pos=1&amp;_sid=8f8c4f232&amp;_ss=r" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Kind Words, Big Impact: Giving Advice in Islam the Right Way">kindly</a>, and to be cared for in both big and small ways.</p>
<p>When we teach our children about the rights of neighbours in Islam, we’re not just passing down rules — we’re nurturing their faith and following the Sunnah by helping them take notice of the needs and feelings of others. </p>
<h2>Teaching the Types of Neighbours in Islam (Simply!) </h2>
<p>There are <strong>three types of neighbours in Islam</strong> — and this is a beautiful way to help your child understand why they have rights upon us: </p>
<p><strong>A neighbour who is Muslim and family</strong> – They have three rights: the right of kinship, of Islam, and of being your neighbour.</p>
<p><strong>A neighbour who is Muslim but not related</strong> – They have two rights: Islam and neighbourliness. </p>
<p><strong>A neighbour who is not Muslim </strong>– They still have the full right of being your neighbour in Islam. <br/><br/><img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0093/9052/2427/files/blog11_cf591fe9-44e9-4464-a076-760ec2cd5522.png?v=1753337366"/><br/></p>
<p>Children can understand this through simple analogies: </p>
<p>“Some neighbours are like cousins — they’re family and Muslim. That means we care for them in lots of ways!” </p>
<p>“Others might be from a different background, but Islam still teaches us to smile, share, and be kind.” </p>
<p>Activity: Draw a simple map of your neighbourhood. Use three different colours to reflect the different types of neighbours. </p>
<h2>How to Teach the Rights of Neighbours in Islam to Kids </h2>
<p>You don’t need long lectures or big lessons. Here are some simple, meaningful ways to help children live the rights of neighbours in Islam: </p>
<h3>Share something delicious </h3>
<p>Involve your child in choosing a treat or preparing a dish to take next door.</p>
<h3>Make a neighbour card <br/>
</h3>
<p>Pick a day each month to craft a card for one of your neighbours. Your child can write a <a href="https://ruqayasbookshelf.com/blogs/islamic-parenting/3-duas-of-prophets-for-mothers?_pos=2&amp;_sid=3c8c7f50f&amp;_ss=r" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="3 Duas of Prophets Every Mom Needs to Know">dua</a>, a kind note, and include a sticker.</p>
<h3>Help in tiny ways <br/>
</h3>
<p>Teach your child to notice when a neighbour’s leaves need sweeping or snow needs shovelling. A cheerful “Can I help?” goes a long way. <br/></p>
<h3>Read books that reflect these values <br/>
</h3>
<p>A wonderful place to begin is the picture book <a href="https://ruqayasbookshelf.com/products/idrees-and-the-new-old-shoes" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="Idrees and the New Old Shoes">Idrees and the New Old Shoes</a> by Hoda Elmasry.</p>
<p>In this story, Idrees is excited to get new shoes so he can be the fastest runner in school — until he finds out the shoes are used! What starts as a moment of disappointment becomes a powerful lesson about generosity, humility, and caring for others. It’s a story that helps children see how loving our neighbours is more important than what’s brand new. </p>
<p>Use this story to spark a conversation: </p>
<p>“What kind of relationship does Idrees have with his elderly neighbour?” </p>
<p>“What are two ways he helps his neighbour?” </p>
<p>Do Idrees' feelings about the used shoes the neighbour sent him change during the story? Why? </p>
<h3>Make Neighbourliness a Family Habit </h3>
<p>Children learn best by watching. You can:</p>
<p>Greet your neighbours warmly, even in passing </p>
<p>Speak kindly about them in front of your child </p>
<p>Make a dua for your neighbours together at bedtime </p>
<p>Let your kids see you helping without expecting anything back </p>
<p>Teaching your children the rights of neighbours in Islam isn’t about grand gestures. It's about being present, sincere, and open-hearted in those little, everyday moments.</p>
<h2>Let the Conversation Keep Growing <br/>
</h2>
<p>You don’t need to explain everything in one day. Children grow into these lessons over time. </p>
<p>The next time you walk past a neighbour, share a story, or even mention something from the Prophet’s ﷺ life, you’re planting a seed. And seeds, as we know, grow best with consistent light and love. </p>
<p> </p>
</div>

‍