Islam is not merely a religion composed of Divine Commandments like DOs and DONT's. Instead it is a Deen, which does not only mean a religion, but a complete code of conduct for every Muslim. That is in Islamic terminology it means to describe the way of life that Muslims should follow to comply with divine law. Therefore it also emphasises on looking after every individual under its fold. Thus Islam places a significant emphasis on looking after the poor and vulnerable in society, as caring for those in need is a core part of the faith.
This emphasis is rooted in the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah (the traditions and practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The reasons for this focus on poverty, charity, and social welfare are multifaceted, reflecting the moral and ethical priorities of Islam, which aims to promote justice, compassion, and solidarity among believers.
In one of his Hadiths, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has stressed on the need to look after those in distress and are unable to return a loan or have their two ends met.
This Hadith is mentioned Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book 14: The Book on Business / كتاب البيوع عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم / Chapter 67: What Has Been Related About Giving Respite To The Indigent And Being Kind To Him / باب مَا جَاءَ فِي إِنْظَارِ الْمُعْسِرِ وَالرِّفْقِ بِهِ / as Hadith number # 1306:
Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
"Whoever grants respite to an indigent or alleviates it for him, Allah will shade him on the Day of Judgement under His Throne, a Day in which there is no shade except His shade."
[He said:] There are narrations on this topic from Abu Al-Yasar, Abu Qatadah, Hudhaifah, Abu Mas'ud, 'Ubadah, and Jabir.
[Abu 'Eisa said:] The Hadith if Abu Hurairah is a Hasan Sahih Gharib Hadith from this route.
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو كُرَيْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ الرَّازِيُّ، عَنْ دَاوُدَ بْنِ قَيْسٍ، عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ أَسْلَمَ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا أَوْ وَضَعَ لَهُ أَظَلَّهُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ تَحْتَ ظِلِّ عَرْشِهِ يَوْمَ لاَ ظِلَّ إِلاَّ ظِلُّهُ " . قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ أَبِي الْيَسَرِ وَأَبِي قَتَادَةَ وَحُذَيْفَةَ وَابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ وَعُبَادَةَ وَجَابِرٍ . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى حَدِيثُ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ غَرِيبٌ مِنْ هَذَا الْوَجْهِ .
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Let us examine this hadith in some detail in the light of Qur'an and Sunnah:
Obligation of Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah)
One of the Five Pillars of Islam is Zakat, which is an obligatory form of charity. Every eligible Muslim is required to give a portion of their wealth (usually 2.5%) to those in need, especially the poor and the oppressed. This is not optional; it is a command from Allah to purify one’s wealth and to assist those who are struggling.
- Qur'an: "And establish prayer and give zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do is Seeing." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:110)
In addition to Zakat, Sadaqah is voluntary charity that Muslims are encouraged to give. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ frequently urged his followers to be generous and to share what they have with others.
- Sahih Bukhari: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e., the one that gives is better than the one that receives), and begin with those who are under your care." (Sahih Bukhari)
- This statement stresses that supporting the poor is not only a social duty but a spiritual virtue that brings reward from Allah.
A Test of Compassion and Social Responsibility
Helping the poor is seen as a test of one’s character and compassion. It demonstrates the ability to empathize with others' suffering and provides an opportunity for Muslims to develop their moral qualities of generosity, humility, and selflessness.
- Qur'an: “You will not attain righteousness until you give of what you love.” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:92)
- This verse highlights the idea that true righteousness is achieved through sacrifice and selflessness, especially when one gives from their own possessions to help others.
Eliminating Inequality and Promoting Justice
Islam stresses that wealth should not lead to social stratification or exploitation. The wealthier members of society are encouraged to share with the less fortunate, which helps bridge the gap between different social classes and promotes justice and equality.
- Qur'an: “And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor stingy but hold a just balance between the two.” (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:67)
- Islam encourages a balanced approach to wealth and spending, ensuring that the poor are not neglected or oppressed. The idea is to create a just society where no one is left behind.
The Prophet Muhammad’s Example ﷺ
The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is filled with examples of caring for the poor and disadvantaged. He consistently supported the needy, and he taught his companions to do the same. The Prophet himself was often in contact with the poor and set an example by being humble, generous, and caring.
- Sahih Muslim: “He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbor beside him goes hungry.” (Sahih Muslim)
- This hadith reflects the idea that individual well-being is deeply tied to the well-being of the community. A true believer does not focus solely on their own comfort but ensures that others, especially those in need, are also looked after.
The Poor are Considered to Have a Special Status
In Islam, the poor and needy are regarded with great respect and are seen as deserving of compassion. The Qur'an reminds Muslims that helping those in need is not just an act of kindness, but it is also a way of pleasing Allah.
- Qur'an: “The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers...” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:10)
- This verse shows that Muslims are spiritually and socially interconnected, and helping the poor is one way of fulfilling the brotherhood of Islam. The poor have a special place in society, and their needs should be addressed not just out of charity, but out of a sense of justice and solidarity.
A Means of Purification and Reward
Giving to the poor purifies wealth and increases blessings. In Islam, wealth is seen as a trust from Allah, and those who share it with the poor and needy are rewarded both in this life and the Hereafter.
- Qur'an: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like that of a seed of grain which grows seven ears, and in each ear there are a hundred grains.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)
- This verse illustrates how acts of charity multiply in reward. Every effort to help the poor is seen by Allah and will be rewarded, often manifold, either through material blessings or spiritual rewards.
Promoting Social Cohesion
By encouraging the rich to care for the poor, Islam promotes social cohesion and stability. A society where wealth is shared and where the basic needs of everyone are met is likely to be more peaceful, with less tension between different social classes.
- Sahih Muslim: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Sahih Muslim)
- Charity is seen not only as a means of helping others but also as a way to protect society from various misfortunes and hardships. It encourages mutual support, reducing the risk of societal division and strife.
The Poor are a Reminder of Human Fragility
Islam views poverty as a reminder of the fragility of human life and the transient nature of wealth. The poor are not seen as inherently inferior but as equals in humanity, deserving of dignity and respect. Muslims are reminded that they should not be arrogant because wealth is a temporary gift, and everyone is ultimately dependent on Allah.
- Qur'an: “Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [your] hope.” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:46)
The above quoted explanation thus explains why Islam emphasizes looking after the poor. It is because it is a key part of building a just, compassionate, and balanced society. Helping the poor is a form of worship and a way of purifying wealth, as well as an essential part of individual moral development. Islam encourages charity both through mandatory acts (like Zakat) and voluntary ones (like Sadaqah), and it sees helping the poor as a means of seeking Allah’s pleasure and attaining reward in the Hereafter. By caring for the poor, Muslims foster a sense of community, equality, and social harmony.
The simple acts of doling out charity and love and care for the Have NOTs draw special Divine attention and are noted for a greater reward for these noble believers by providing them shade under the very throne of Allah. Imagine the magnitude of reward for even small acts of kindness. Let us not rob our elves of this great reward and make every concerted effort to look after the poor to ease the hardships they are facing in their lives.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject
Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook
Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.
