Virtues of Neighbourhood Watching
There are numerous Hadiths that expound on the virtues of protecting/guarding the Muslims and their property.
Hereunder are a select few:
- Sayyiduna Sahl ibn Sa’d as-Sa’idi (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
‘Keeping watch/Guarding the Muslims in the path of Allah is better than the world and whatever is upon it.’
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2892)
- Sayyiduna Salman al-Farisi (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that he heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) say:
‘Guarding the Muslims for a day and a night is better than fasting for a month and spending the nights in prayer. If he passes away [while guarding, the reward of] the deeds he used to carry out will continue, his sustenance will continue [in Jannah] and he will be protected from the punishment of the grave.’
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 1913)
- Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
‘Two eyes will never be touched by Jahannam; an eye which weeps out of the fear of Allah Ta’ala and an eye which spends the night guarding in the Cause of Allah.’
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 1639. Declared sound by Imam Tirmidhi)
- Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates that Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was asked about the reward of guarding the Muslims. He replied:
‘Whoever keeps watch of the security of the Muslims for a night, will receive the reward of all those who offer Salah and fast.’
(Al Mu’jamul Awsat, Hadith: 8055)
‘Allamah Mundhiri (rahimahullah) has declared the chain authentic (jayyid).
(Targhib, vol.2 pg.245. Also Majma’uz Zawaid, 5/289 & Al Ajwibatul Mardiyyah, 1/124)
Ref: al-miftah
