Look Beyond Ourselves

We all know who neighbors are. But the Quran has added a unique category to them: unknown people who sit adjacent to us while travelling are also our neighbors. Even in this short and fleeting time when they are in our company they acquire the rights of a neighbor. In other words, showing compassion to them and being sympathetic to them is something which is required.

This injunction of the Quran gives out a message to us that is quite loud and clear: a believer cannot be oblivious and negligent to his surroundings. He must always look around and see if there is anyone who needs him or her. The person right next or very close by might need attention. Reaching out to others must come naturally to us. We must not be selfish and self-centered. We should look beyond ourselves.