Fahd Bin Jleid
Al-Jazirah
I asked some of the neighbors of the Syrian terrorist who set up a factory in Riyadh’s Al-Faiha District to manufacture explosives why they did not carry out their national duty and expose the evil living among them. Their reply was that they didn’t notice anything suspicious, and no relations existed with him. There were no suspicions about him, especially due to the existence of a children’s recreation park opposite his residence. Furthermore, many people used to come and go on the street.
Among the most beautiful things you can do these days is to get acquainted with your neighbors and talk with them. It’s an activity that everyone should do, as there are social and security benefits, not to mention benefits for human solidarity and cohesion, especially against the backdrop of the Ministry of Interior uncovering more terrorists living amongst us.
I believe that the imams in our mosques can play a vital role by coordinating with their district chiefs (umdah) to launch simple meetings aimed at helping people get acquainted with their neighbors. The goal should include discussion on matters concerning the district, including suggestions to boost relations and solidarity between neighbors.
Modern life, long working hours, remaining away from home most of the day, and the belief that boosting relations with the neighbors means more headaches are just some of the reasons and justifications we must all get rid of for everybody’s interest.
The US and Europe have launched numerous initiatives to urge neighbors to get acquainted with one another amid a modern life that relies on individualism.
Recently, I read a study from Michigan University titled “Loving your neighbors protects your heart” that showed that neighbors have an affect on our lives, whether we like it or not. Their cultural awareness will make the district clean and enable us to get rid of fast food restaurants, among other matters.
Recently, 50 volunteers carried out an initiative for neighbors to get acquainted with one another in Dubai’s Al-Barsha area. The initiative aimed to promote the idea of getting to know one another among 300 neighbors, so as to boost coexistence, social cohesion, as well as improve others’ lives through simple recreation activities.
These days it is common for people to pretend they are busy answering a telephone call when they see their neighbor. Why did we reach this point? You might find a person who knows his next-door neighbor, but it is difficult today for all to know their fourth or fifth neighbor.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) urged us to be kind to our neighbors, up to the seventh neighbor. Some of the forefathers stressed that neighbors are those living up to the fortieth house from your home.
