UIN Public Relations – While many people today are bothered by smoke from forest and field fires (Karhutla), similar incidents occurred during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In the book *Hayat al-Shahabat* III: 232, it is mentioned that a companion of the Prophet named Abdullah bin Salam was bothered by his neighbor’s habit of burning trash (menabun) in his yard.
The smoke from the fire built by Abdullah bin Salam’s neighbor was bothersome and painful for all members of his family. This was the reason Abdullah bin Salam reported the matter to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
He said, “My neighbor is causing me trouble.” Then the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Be patient.” Later, he came back and said, “My neighbor is causing me trouble.” The Prophet said, “Be patient.”
Abdullah bin Salam complained to the Messenger of Allah about his neighbor’s behavior no more than three times, until finally the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) gave Abdullah bin Salam an unexpected instruction.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Take your belongings and throw them onto the street. If anyone passes by, say, “My neighbor has wronged me,” and a curse will befall him.”.
Abdullah bin Salam carried out the Prophet’s instructions. Everything in his house was taken out and thrown onto the street, causing passersby to turn their heads toward the two neighboring houses.
When people turned to look, Abdullah bin Salam said, “My neighbor is causing me trouble.” The neighbor, who was in the habit of burning trash, heard Abdullah bin Salam’s complaint and eventually stopped the practice for fear of being cursed.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), upon hearing Abdullah bin Salam’s report, then said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should treat his neighbor well. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak kindly or remain silent.”
May the story of Abdullah bin Salam serve as a lesson for all of us amid the haze that has blanketed the skies over Indonesia.
Prof. Dr. H. Muhammad Ishom, M.A. (Rector of UIN SMH Banten)
The post The Story of Abdullah bin Salam, Disturbed by a Neighbor’s “Noise” first appeared on Spirituality, Intellectuality, Professionalism.
