What are the hadiths reported concerning one who harms his neighbor with the smell of his grilling, and is it then recommended to eat of it?
Harming a neighbor is a major sin. Many Prophetic hadiths have been reported that encourage showing kindness to neighbors and forbid harming them, among them: "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor," and "He will not enter Paradise whose neighbor is not safe from his mischief." The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, made adultery with a neighbor's wife and stealing from a neighbor worse than committing adultery with ten women and stealing from ten houses. One who harms their neighbors with their tongue may enter Hellfire, while one who does not harm them may enter Paradise, despite having few fasts and prayers. The hadiths also encouraged sharing food with neighbors, for "He has not believed in me who sleeps full while his neighbor next to him is hungry and he knows about it," and that "When you cook broth, increase its water and give some to your neighbors." As for the disliked act of someone eating their food if their neighbor smells its aroma and they do not give them some, no authentic hadith has been reported regarding it. It is merely recommended, unless the neighbor is in need, in which case it becomes obligatory to feed them.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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