Adab al-Mufrad

Benefits and Issues:
➊ Ibn Umar (radi Allahu anhuma) mentioned the early period of Islam, stating that during the life of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), there was such a level of self-sacrifice, devotion, and asceticism (zuhd) that Muslims did not attach any importance to wealth. They considered it their good fortune to fulfill the needs of other Muslims. In their view, other Muslims had an equal share in their wealth. A shining example of this is the attitude of the Ansar towards their Muhajir brothers, as they made them equal partners in their wealth, and even while remaining hungry themselves, they would fulfill the needs of others—this too is a practice from that golden era.
As time passed, abundance of wealth increased, and love for it began to take root in people’s hearts. People started to value their own needs above the needs of others. The spirit of goodwill gradually diminished, and even in the era of Ibn Umar (radi Allahu anhuma), that spirit of self-sacrifice was no longer visible as it was in the early days.
➋ When Ibn Umar (radi Allahu anhuma) compared the era of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) with his own, he conveyed this impression, even though there was still much goodness and virtue in his time. If he had seen our era, when every Muslim is devoid of the spirit of goodwill and even tries to seize the wealth of others, what would his impression have been? One should pray to Allah to be protected from the greed for wealth and riches.
➌ In this, there is an emphasis on good conduct towards neighbors, because just as there will be questioning regarding the rights of relatives and maintaining family ties (silat ar-rahm), there will also be questioning regarding neighbors. Just as with relatives, if neighbors commit excesses, the command is still to treat them well, because showing good conduct to one who does wrong is, in reality, true virtue.