The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The neighbor has more right to be taken care of by his neighbor (than anyone
else)." Some men said, "If one wants to buy a house for 20,000 Dirhams then there is no harm to play
a trick to deprive somebody of preemption by buying it (just on paper) with 20,000 Dirhams but
paying to the seller only 9,999 Dirhams in cash and then agree with the seller to pay only one Dinar in
cash for the rest of the price (i.e. 10,001 Dirhams). If the preemptor offers 20,000 Dirhams for the
house, he can buy it otherwise he has no right to buy it (by this trick he got out of preemption). If the
house proves to belong to somebody else other than the seller, the buyer should take back from the
seller what he has paid, i.e., 9,999 Dirhams and one Dinar, because if the house proves to belong to
somebody else, so the whole bargain (deal) is unlawful. If the buyer finds a defect in the house and it
does not belong to somebody other than the seller, the buyer may return it and receive 20,000 Dirhams
(instead of 9999 Dirham plus one Dinar) which he actually paid.' Abu `Abdullah said, "So that man
allows (some people) the playing of tricks amongst the Muslims (although) the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'In
dealing with Muslims one should not sell them sick (animals) or bad things or stolen things."
Narrated by Narrated Abu Rafi`:
Context
The Prophet (ﷺ) teaches the importance of neighborly rights, stating that a neighbor has a greater claim to care and consideration than others. This hadith arose in a context where people were discussing property transactions, highlighting the ethical considerations in buying and selling. The Prophet (ﷺ) warns against deceitful practices that could harm neighbors and undermine trust within the community.
Modern Application
In contemporary life, this principle encourages us to be considerate and supportive of our neighbors, fostering a sense of community. It reminds us to engage in fair dealings and to prioritize the well-being of those living around us, creating a more harmonious environment.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Buying and Selling and Property Rights because it addresses the ethical implications of property transactions and emphasizes the rights of neighbors in such dealings.
Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.
It is not [attributable] to any prophet that he would act unfaithfully [in regard to war booty]. And whoever betrays, [taking unlawfully], will come with what he took on the Day of Resurrection. Then will every soul be [fully] compensated for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.
The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their mothers. And those of [blood] relationship are more entitled [to inheritance] in the decree of Allah than the [other] believers and the emigrants, except that you may do to your close associates a kindness [through bequest]. That was in the Book inscribed.
O you who have believed, do not enter the houses of the Prophet except when you are permitted for a meal, without awaiting its readiness. But when you are invited, then enter; and when you have eaten, disperse without seeking to remain for conversation. Indeed, that [behavior] was troubling the Prophet, and he is shy of [dismissing] you. But Allah is not shy of the truth. And when you ask [his wives] for something, ask them from behind a partition. That is purer for your hearts and their hearts. And it is not [conceivable or lawful] for you to harm the Messenger of Allah or to marry his wives after him, ever. Indeed, that would be in the sight of Allah an enormity.
O you who have believed, testimony [should be taken] among you when death approaches one of you at the time of bequest - [that of] two just men from among you or two others from outside if you are traveling through the land and the disaster of death should strike you. Detain them after the prayer and let them both swear by Allah if you doubt [their testimony, saying], "We will not exchange our oath for a price, even if he should be a near relative, and we will not withhold the testimony of Allah. Indeed, we would then be of the sinful."