New Delhi

To reverse the fast disintegrating trend of good neighbourliness, the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), one of the largest Muslim organisations in the country, has launched an initiative involving all religious and social communities.

With the slogan "Ideal Neighbours, Ideal Society," the JIH has launched a ten-day nationwide campaign, "Neighborhood Rights," from November 21st to 30th. The campaign aims to revive a sense of harmony, respect, and responsibility towards neighbours, as good relationships with neighbours are the foundation of a strong and healthy society.

Announcing the campaign, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind President Syed Saadatullah Hussaini underscored the importance of neighbourliness. He clarified that Islam places a very high value on the rights of neighbours. He said, "The Quran clearly commands us to treat not only immediate neighbours, but also 'temporary neighbours' (such as coworkers, fellow travellers, or those walking by on the street) with the best of care."

This advice is not limited to Islam. Hinduism also has the principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (the world is one family), and neighbours are seen as members of an extended family.

The Sikh Guru Granth Sahib also emphasises service and charity, inspiring us to treat everyone, especially those around us, with compassion and love. The Christian Bible teaches, "Love your neighbour as you love yourself." Thus, this campaign truly advances India's shared religious and moral heritage.

"Through this campaign, we want to remind Muslims of these essential teachings so that they can be good neighbours and present the true, peaceful, and compassionate face of Islam to society," Hussaini added.

Syed Saadatullah Hussaini emphasised that a society built on the foundation of good relationships automatically becomes an exemplary society. "When neighbours treat each other with kindness, forgiveness, and justice, this wave of goodwill positively transforms the entire society. We hope this campaign will not only resolve conflicts but also serve as a strong testimony to Islamic values ​​such as kindness and social responsibility."

Mohammad Ahmed, National Convener of the "Neighbours' Rights Campaign," explained that the campaign also addresses the growing loneliness and social isolation in urban areas, which has weakened neighbourly relationships. The campaign aims to promote mutual empathy, cooperation, cleanliness, and traffic discipline, which Islam considers an important social responsibility.

A following events have been planned to implement this ten-day campaign:

All-religion meetings and 'Chai Sabhas' : Informal meetings will be organised with neighbours of different religions to resolve mutual misunderstandings through direct dialogue.

Mohalla Swachh Abhiyan and Awareness Rallies: Rallies will be organised on community cleanliness and 'Rights of Way' (traffic discipline) to inculcate a sense of civic responsibility.

'Know Your Neighbour' Programme: Under this initiative, people will be actively encouraged to understand the life and culture of their neighbours.

Leaders of JIH launching the campaign in Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh

Cultural Gatherings and Competitions: Special programs and cultural competitions will be held for women and youth, strengthening harmony.

A focus of the campaign is to reach out to non-Muslims to strengthen interfaith harmony and dispel misconceptions about Islam. Plans also include local committees to encourage continued discussion and follow-up after the campaign.

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Jamaat-e-Islami Hind's "Ideal Neighbour, Ideal Society" campaign comes at a time when the country needs mutual trust and social harmony the most. This initiative is not just the work of a religious organization, but a national call to action, inspiring every citizen to build a better, more compassionate, and integrated society.