Do you want to be neighbours with Allah?

For some of us, where we live becomes a defining feature of who we are. From the moment we begin working, many of us strive tirelessly, bending over backwards to save for a sizeable deposit to purchase a house in a desirable postcode. The effort we pour into this pursuit reflects the value we place on securing a good place to live and the status we attach to it.

Yet, while we work so hard for temporary homes in this world, have we considered the eternal homes awaiting us in the next? You may already know that there are many heavens, each with numerous ranks and various stations reserved for the prominent and special people who will reside there forever. But did you know that you, too, could aspire to be a neighbour of Allah عزوجل? Reflect on this astonishing reality as described by the Blessed Prophet صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَيُنَادِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَيْنَ جِيرَانِي أَيْنَ جِيرَانِي قَالَ فَتَقُولُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ رَبَّنَا وَمَنْ يَنْبَغِي أَنْ يُجَاوِرَكَ فَيَقُولُ أَيْنَ عُمَّارُ الْمَسَاجِدِ

"Allah will announce on the Day of Resurrection, ‘Where are my neighbours? Where are my neighbours?’ The angels will ask, ‘Our Lord, who could possibly be worthy enough to be Your neighbour?’ Allah will reply, ‘Where are those who filled the mosques?’" — Ḥārith #126

This narration offers a profound perspective: just as we work diligently to secure a place in this world, we should work even harder for the eternal neighbourhoods of the Hereafter. Unlike our worldly homes, which are finite and fleeting, the homes we build in the Hereafter are permanent, magnificent, and unchanging.

To achieve this lofty aspiration, the path is simple yet transformative. It begins with locating our local mosques, making a sincere effort to visit them regularly, and participating in congregational prayers as often as possible. Our mosques have rights over us, and our presence in them pleases Allah عزوجل and invokes His عزوجل mercy. This consistent act of worship not only elevates us spiritually but earns us the unparalleled honour of being His عزوجل neighbour.

What greater reward could we ask for? Let us make a firm intention to adorn our mosques with our presence, to fulfil their rights over us, and to earn the compassion of our Lord. May Allah عزوجل grant us the strength and sincerity to uphold this commitment and bless us with eternal clemency and proximity to Him in the Hereafter.

And Allah عزوجل and His Messenger صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم know best.