In the teachings of Islam, the bonds of human society are held in the highest regard, alongside the duties of worship. The rights of neighbours, in particular, have been emphasised time and again in the Holy Quran and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It is related that the Archangel Jibreel (AS) counselled the Prophet so persistently concerning the obligations owed to neighbours that the Messenger of Allah came to believe he might soon be instructed to make them partners in inheritance.
Such is the profound importance attached to neighbourly conduct.At the level of individuals, a man who finds himself at odds with his neighbour may, if he chooses, change his dwelling and settle elsewhere. Nations, however, enjoy no such liberty. Geography has bound them together, for better or for worse, and no amount of wishing can alter the map. This truth was brought home to me with particular force during an international conference held in Malaysia
