ACCORDING to Islam, all human beings share a common origin, having been created by the same God. This shared ancestry makes them part of a vast brotherhood, akin to members of a large family. In this familial spirit, Islam places a sacred duty on the affluent to contribute a portion of their wealth to meet the needs of the less fortunate members of society. The believer is encouraged to assist others selflessly, without expecting anything in return.
The act of coming to the aid of others is considered an acknowledgment of the blessings bestowed by God. It signifies an individual with abundance reaching out to those with less, be it providing physical help to the disabled, donating to the poor or extending resources to those in need. On such occasions, the giver expresses gratitude to God for the bestowed favours, recognizing that everything they possess is a divine gift.
Engaging in social work, therefore, becomes a means of not only helping others but also elevating one’s moral standing. Islam teaches that as being superior to other creatures, humans should adopt an attitude of embracing the entire humanity, acting as well-wishers to all and ready to assist everyone, acknowledging others’ rights over their possessions.
Social work, in essence, is viewed as a form of service to humanity, ranking second only to the worship of God in nobility. Islam’s teachings are founded on two fundamental principles: worship of God and service to humanity. The religion instils in its followers the spirit of love and respect for all human beings, emphasizing that serving others pleases God and contributes to the individual’s spiritual progress.
The Last Prophet (P.B.U.H) emphasized the importance of mercy towards people on earth, linking personal salvation to serving others. Islam teaches that one can receive God’s reward in the Hereafter by alleviating the sufferings of mankind. The Prophet stressed the interconnectedness of faith, love for one another and compassion towards fellow human beings.
The teachings further underline that a lack of compassion towards others contradicts the essence of Islam. The idea is encapsulated in a Hadith: “Whosoever removes a worldly grief from a believer, the Almighty will remove from him one of grieves on the Day of Judgment.” This serves as a reminder that God will show no compassion to those who fail to show compassion towards their fellow human beings.
When Islamic beliefs penetrate into people’s hearts, kindness and compassion naturally arise. A true believer sees everyone through the lens of love and compassion, feeling an inherent urge to serve and fulfil the needs of others. If, even after adopting Islamic beliefs, an individual lacks such feelings, it prompts introspection about the sincerity of their faith and commitment to practicing Islam in its entirety.
Quoting a Hadith, “By God, he is not a Muslim who eats his fill while his neighbour goes hungry,” underscores that a Muslim should be as concerned about others’ well-being as their own. Another Hadith encourages extending greetings, feeding others and sharing resources, emphasizing that a person worthy of heaven is one whose heart is eager for others’ peace and goodwill.
It is incumbent on believers to fulfil the duty of serving those in need. Every Muslim is expected to contribute to the welfare of society. Establishing social services within Muslim communities allows individuals to participate indirectly through financial and moral support. Undoubtedly, Islam stands as a religion of humanity, with serving others considered a great act of worship. According to Islamic teachings, sharing in people’s pain and suffering is the key to having a share in God’s mercy.
In conclusion, this powerful reflection on Islamic principles calls for believers to embody the spirit of selfless service and compassion towards humanity. In a world marked by diverse challenges, the call to social service resonates as a cornerstone of Islamic faith and practice.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
Email: [email protected]
views expressed are writer’s own.
