Would it be considered harassment if a notice to appear in court for failure to pay rent was filed on the 16th of the month and I received a copy of the summons on the fifth day of the following month and the rent was paid in full and the check cleared the account on the 28th day of the month in question. What are my rights as a tenant in Washington dc?

It doesn't sound like harassment. It's likely that the case was filed before the landlord received your rent. You should contact the landlord to confirm that they received your rent and also to confirm that the case will be dismissed.

If you have a date to go to court, be certain you don't miss. The plaintiff/landlord should dismiss the case; contact the clerk of court and ask whether the case has been dismissed.