have I known a family whose members maintained ties and showed compassion toward one another without their flourishing, multiplying, and being blessed in whatever they undertook.

Counsel Concerning Neighbors

You must also safeguard your neighbor, refrain from harming him, conceal his faults, give him gifts, and patiently endure whatever may come from him. It has been related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “He does not truly believe whose neighbor is not safe from his harm.” It has also been related that he (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Gabriel continued to counsel me concerning the neighbor until I thought that he would make him an heir.”

Neighborliness Is a Bond of Kinship and Lineage

Know that neighborliness is a bond of kinship and lineage. Therefore, seek the affection of your neighbors just as you seek that of your relatives. Observe their rights in their presence and absence, treat their poor with kindness, take the utmost care to protect their honor in their absence, and instruct those among them who are ignorant.

Maintaining Ties with One’s Father’s Friends

You must also show consideration, reverence, dutifulness, generosity, and continued affection toward those whom you know to be my friends and those dear to me. It has been related that Abdullāh ibn Umar reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Indeed, the highest form of dutifulness is for a man to maintain ties with those whom his father loved.”

Honoring Friends

Then, as for your own friends, treat them with sincerity and honor, fulfilling their rights,