ACJU/NGS/2022/338
2022.09.05 (1444.02.08)
Islam is a complete lifestyle. It signifies the obligations towards fellow humans similar to its emphasis upon acts of worship. Islam emphasizes to adopt good conduct and responsible behavior towards the welfare of others and the society, in order to be successful in both worlds.
People, such as the poor, sick, orphans, destitute, debtors are in various vulnerable situations and are in dire need. Today, the rising cost of living, increase in the prices of essentials and insufficient income for daily necessities have resulted in critical situations and it is our religious obligation to extend possible means of assistance to those struggling to fulfil their daily essentials such food, nutrition, clothing, shelter, health and education.
Almighty Allah Ta’ala mentions in the Holy Qur’an as follows:
“Help each other in righteousness and piety” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, Verse 02)
“And do good. Of course, Allah loves those who do good.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 195)
The beloved Messenger (ﷺ) has encouraged the engagement in social welfare efforts on several instances and reported to have stated that those who engage in such efforts shall be granted with innumerable blessings and rewards.
‘The most beloved one to Allah is the one who is most beneficial to others’ (Jaami’-us-Sagheer)
The Prophet (ﷺ) conveyed glad tidings as follows: ‘Propagate the Salaam abundantly, feed others, uphold ties of kinship, wake up and pray while people are asleep. You shall enter Paradise in peace’. (Sunan At-Tirmidhi)
The Prophet (ﷺ) is reported to have said, “I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this,” placing his index and middle fingers together. (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The Prophet (ﷺ) is reported to have said ‘The one who looks after and works for a widow and for a poor person, is like the one who is striving for Allah’s Cause or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all the night.’ (Sahih al-Bukhari)
The importance of social welfare in Islam is evident, that even removal of an obstacle from a pathway is recognized as Sadaqah (charity) and feeding the hungry is regarded as a cause for us to enter Paradise.
Accordingly, relieving people from their difficulties, fulfilling their needs, and contributing one’s time, money, material and efforts, benefits in both Worlds and serves as a source for salvation in the Hereafter.
Humanity, compassion, love and kindness are basic characteristics that are necessary for those engaged in voluntary services. The primary aspect is to ensure such services are performed with sincerity and for the sake of Allah.
The Holy Qur’an addresses the beloved Prophet (ﷺ) and states: “Have you seen him who denies the Requital? So, he is the one who pushes away the orphan. And does not persuade (others) to feed the needy.” (Surah Maun, Verse 1-3)
Islam considers those who do not make any effort to relieve the difficulties of the poor nor even have any concern or feeling about them, as wrongdoers. It is evident that Islam emphasizes on engaging in social welfare efforts and charitable activities and also encourages us to contribute as much as possible towards them.
The United Nations has declared ‘05th of September’ as the ‘International Day of Charity’, to honor the services of the people and organizations involved in social welfare efforts and to raise awareness and mobilize individuals and NGOs around the world to extend assistance to those in need through voluntary and philanthropic activities and to encourage efforts to eradicate poverty.
One who is engaged in fulfilling the need of his brother, Almighty Allah takes responsibility for fulfilling his need. Furthermore, beloved Prophet (ﷺ) is reported to have stated that if we resolve the difficulties of others, Almighty Allah will eliminate our difficulties in the Hereafter.
Therefore let us strive to achieve these virtues and blessings, continuously even if it is a minute effort. And we pray that Almighty Allah accepts the noble efforts of all the well-wishers and organizations engaged in voluntary humanitarian services around the world and reward them in abundance.
Ash Shaikh M. Arkam Nooramith
General Secretary
