O Abu Dharr, if you cook broth, increase its water and take care of your neighbors

Arabic text

عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ رَضيَ اللهُ عنهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «يَا أَبَا ذَرٍّ إِذَا طَبَخْتَ مَرَقَةً فَأَكْثِرْ مَاءَهَا، وَتَعَاهَدْ جِيرَانَكَ».

Translation

Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O Abu Dharr, if you cook broth, increase its water and take care of your neighbors."

Explanation

The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) urged Abu Dharr al-Ghifāri (may Allah be pleased with him) that when he cooks broth, he should increase its water and its stock, and he should take care of his neighbors and check on them therewith.

Benefits

• Encouraging kind treatment of neighbors.
• It is recommended to exchange gifts among neighbors, as it fosters love and increases affection. This exchange is especially encouraged if the food has a pleasant smell and the need of the neighbor is known.
• The encouragement to do good and offer whatever is possible, even if it is little, and to bring joy to fellow Muslims.

Topics

• Jurisprudence and Juristic Principles
• Jurisprudence of Transactions
• Conciliation and Neighborhood Rulings