Helping the Poor in Islam:
The Quran Kareem reminds us that there is a " recognized right, for the needy and and deprived" over our wealth , so by giving for the sake of others, a Muslim is fulfilling a duty to those in need and preventing him or her from becoming proud of their own generosity.
Islam say about helping the poor:
In fact, Allah SWT describes those who prevent the supporting of orphans and the feeding of the poor as " those who reject the faith".
Helping the poor is a core principle in Islam and is deeply rooted in faith, worship, and social justice. Islam does not treat charity as optional kindness alone, but as a religious duty and moral responsibility.
Here are the key aspects:
1. Zakat (Obligatory Charity)
Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
It is mandatory for Muslims who meet the required wealth threshold (nisab).
Usually 2.5% of savings is given annually.
The Qur’an specifies who can receive zakat, including:
The poor (fuqarāʾ)
The needy (masākīn)
Those in debt
Travelers in need
Zakat purifies wealth and reduces inequality.
📖 “Zakat expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy…” (Qur’an 9:60)
2. Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity)
Sadaqah is any act of giving, beyond zakat.
Can be money, food, clothing, or even a smile.
No minimum amount.
Encouraged at all times, especially in hardship.
📖 “Whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it.” (Qur’an 99:7)
3. Zakat al-Fitr
Given at the end of Ramadan.
Ensures that the poor can celebrate Eid with dignity.
Usually given as food or its monetary equivalent.
4. Waqf (Endowment)
A form of continuous charity (sadaqah jariyah).
Wealth or property is donated for public benefit (schools, hospitals, wells).
📖 Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“When a person dies, their deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.” (Muslim)
5. Social Justice and Dignity
Islam emphasizes respecting the dignity of the poor:
No humiliation or reminders of charity.
Help should be given discreetly when possible.
📖 “Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury.” (Qur’an 2:263)
6. Reward and Accountability
Helping the poor is a sign of true faith.
📖 “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.” (Hadith)
Neglecting the poor is strongly condemned in Islam.
How can I help the poor and needy:
- Pray for the poor. The power of prayer is often overlooked because we don't know how to pray specifically for the poor.
- Give regularly.
- Start a relationship with the poor.
What do Muslims give to the poor:
Followers of Islam who have at least a minimum amount of wealth are required to give 2.5% of their liquid assets away to charity each year.
Muslims give several types of support to the poor, both material and non-material, based on Islamic teachings:
1. Zakat (Obligatory Charity)
A mandatory payment for eligible Muslims.
Usually 2.5% of savings held for a year.
Given to the poor and other eligible groups defined in the Qur’an.
Can include money, gold, business assets, or their value.
📖 “And establish prayer and give zakat…” (Qur’an 2:110)
2. Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity)
Any voluntary giving beyond zakat.
Includes:
Money
Food
Clothing
Shelter
Medical help
Even kind actions, like helping someone or smiling, count as sadaqah.
3. Zakat al-Fitr
Given at the end of Ramadan.
Usually given as basic food items (or their monetary value).
Ensures the poor can celebrate Eid.
4. Waqf (Charitable Endowment)
Donating land, buildings, or money for long-term public benefit.
Supports schools, hospitals, water wells, and aid programs.
5. Qurbani / Udhiyah (Meat Distribution)
During Eid al-Adha, Muslims sacrifice an animal.
A large portion of the meat is given to the poor.
6. Daily Essentials
Muslims are encouraged to give:
Food and water
Clothing
Shelter
Financial help
Education support
“They give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.”
The Quran Kareem strongly emphasizes helping others as a core aspect of faith, commanding believers to cooperate in goodness, show kindness, and give charity to relatives, orphans the needy, neighbors and travelers , stressing that true righteousness involves giving from what you love, doing so sincerely for Allah's sake, and avoiding acts of injury or showing off. Key messages include: cooperating in piety, giving secretly for better reward, and performing small acts of kindness as significant charity.
Key principles of helping others in the Quran Kareem:
Cooperation in goodness:
" Cooperate with one another in goodness and righteousness and do not cooperate in sin and transgression".
The righteousness:
Real goodness is not just ritual; it's giving wealth to relatives, orphans, the needy, and strangers even when you love that wealth.
Sincerity:
Giving privately is often better to avoid showing off; giving for Allah's sake guarantees reward without fear or grief.
Kindness and forgiveness:
Kind words and forgiving faults are better than charity followed by injury.
Care for the vulnerable:
Direct commands exist to not oppress the orphan or harshly rebuke the one who asks.
Generosity with what you love:
" You will not attain to piety until you spend from that which you love" .
Loan to Allah SWT:
Charitable acts are seen as good loans to Allah SWT that will be multiplied.
Examples of helping:
Financial:
Giving Zakat and voluntary sadaqah.
Physical acts:
Helping someone mount their animal or carry belongings.
Social:
Being kind to neighbors , travelers and those in need of companionship or shelter.
Verbal:
Speaking kindly, forgiving and offering good counsel.
Helping the poor with one's money in Islam called:
Zakah. Zakat is the practice where a Muslim gives 2.5 percent of their wealth over a certain amount to charity, after they have paid for what is necessary to support themselves and their families. This means that people who are too poor will not be required to suffer hardship to give zakah.
How can we help the poor:
- One more family member.
- Earn high to donate more.
- Buy or donate old books.
- Overcome religious boundaries.
- Educate unprivileged children.
- Commit to everyday charity.
- Donate food to needy.
- Support poor in obtaining justice.
How to help the poor:
A world that is not educated would slowly drift away to a bad state. If you want the growth of the world, then you should and must educate poor kids who do not have money to have a good education. There are people who are also struggling to have shelter and clothes, the world is an utterly depressing place to live now.
What does Allah SWT say about giving to the poor:
In Islam, giving to the poor is a central command and a sign of true faith. Allah ﷻ speaks about it repeatedly in the Qur’an, linking charity to righteousness, purification of wealth, and success in the Hereafter.
Here are some of the key teachings:
1. Giving to the poor is a command from Allah
Allah ﷻ commands believers to care for those in need:
“And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.”
(Qur’an 2:110)
Zakah (obligatory charity) is mentioned alongside prayer, showing its importance.
2. Charity purifies wealth and the soul
Allah ﷻ explains that giving does not reduce wealth—it purifies it:
“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.”
(Qur’an 9:103)
Charity cleanses greed and nurtures compassion.
3. Allah promises great reward for those who give
Allah ﷻ assures immense reward for generosity:
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that grows seven ears; in every ear is a hundred grains.”
(Qur’an 2:261)
This means one act of charity can be rewarded up to 700 times or more.
4. Giving should be sincere and kind
Allah ﷻ warns against giving for show or hurting the recipient:
“Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury.”
(Qur’an 2:263)
Charity must be given with humility, respect, and sincerity.
5. The poor have a right in our wealth
Allah ﷻ makes it clear that helping the poor is not optional generosity—it is their right:
“And in their wealth there is a known right for the beggar and the deprived.”
(Qur’an 70:24–25)
6. True righteousness includes caring for the needy
Allah ﷻ defines true righteousness beyond rituals:
“Righteousness is… giving wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, and those who ask.”
(Qur’an 2:177)
Why do Muslims give to the poor:
It is given for the sake of salvation. Muslims believe those who give Zakat can expect reward from God in the afterlife, while neglecting to give Zakat can result in damnation. Zakat is considered part of the covenant between God and a Muslim.
Importance of helping the poor:
It improves society as a whole. When you help the poorest of the poor, you are raising the standard of living for society as a whole. It may not completely close that wide gap between the rich and the poor, but it can narrow it down. It not only benefits the economy but also improves society as a whole.
Helping the poor is deeply important—morally, socially, and spiritually. In Islam especially, it is a core value that shapes faith, character, and community.
1. It is a command from Allah
Helping the poor is not optional; it is an act of obedience to Allah ﷻ:
“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy…”
(Qur’an 4:36)
2. It is a sign of true faith
Allah ﷻ links belief with concern for the poor:
“Have you seen the one who denies the religion? That is the one who repulses the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor.”
(Qur’an 107:1–3)
Neglecting the poor is described as a sign of weak or false faith.
3. It purifies the heart and wealth
Helping the poor removes greed, arrogance, and selfishness, and brings spiritual purification:
“You will never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love.”
(Qur’an 3:92)
4. It brings Allah’s help and mercy
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah helps His servant as long as the servant helps his brother.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Helping the poor invites Allah’s assistance in our own lives.
5. It strengthens society and reduces suffering
Caring for the poor:
Reduces hunger and homelessness
Builds compassion and unity
Prevents resentment and injustice
Creates a balanced and caring community
Islam aims to eliminate extreme poverty, not ignore it.
6. It protects from punishment and hardship
Charity is a shield:
“Charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.”
(Tirmidhi)
It also protects from calamities and earns Allah’s protection on the Day of Judgment.
7. It is a means to Jannah (Paradise)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The poor will enter Paradise before the rich by five hundred years.”
(Tirmidhi)
Helping them is a path to closeness with Allah and eternal success.
Ways to help the poor:
- Learn more about poverty.
- Advocate on social media.
- Talk about poverty.
- Get creative with your resources.
- Donate to a cause.
- Connect those in need with help.
Best thing to give for poor :
Essentials like food, clothing and hygiene products are among the best things to donate to homeless shelters because they not only provide relief but also act as stepping stones towards stability and empowerment.
Helpful to the poor:
The word in the passage that means " helpful to the poor" is usually " charitable" or " benevolent", depending on the passage. These words describe actions, attitudes or organizations that provide help or aid to those in poverty.
Quran Kareem and Ahadith on the poor and needy:
1. The Quran Kareem:
Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah SWT and do not follow up their spending by stressing their benevolence and causing hurt, will find their reward secure with their lord. They have no cause for fear fear and grief.
To speak a kind word and to forgive people's faults is better than charity followed by hurt. Allah paak is all- sufficient, all forbearing.
Believers! Do not nullify your acts of charity by stressing your benevolence and causing hurt as does he who spends his wealth only to be seen by men and does not believe in Allah SWT and the last day. The example of his spending is that of a rock with a thin coating of earth upon it: when a heavy rain smites it, the earth is washed away, leaving the rock bare; such people derive no gain from their acts of charity. Allah paak does not set the deniers of the truth on the right way.
The needy who do not do beg:
Those needy ones who are wholly wrapped up in the cause of Allah SWT, and who are hindered from moving about the earth in search of their livelihood especially deserve help. He who is unaware of their circumstances supposes them to be wealthy because of their dignified bearing, but you will know them by their countenance, although they do not go about begging of people with importunity. And whatever wealth you will spend on helping them, Allah SWT will know of it.
Economic exploitation:
And do not become like the woman who, after having painstakingly spun her yarn, caused it to disintegrate into pieces. You resort to oaths as instruments of mutual deceits so that one people might take greater advantage than another although Allah SWT puts you to the test through this. Surely, on the day of resurrection he will make clear the truth concerning the matters over which you differed .
Food and the needy:
Give to the near of kin hus due, and also the needy and the wayfarers. Do not squander your wealth wastefully, for those who squander wastefully are Shatan's brothers, and Shatan is ever ungrateful to his Lord.
Greed:
Look, you are being called upon to expend in Allah's SWT way, yet some of you are being niggardly, whereas the one who is niggardly is in fact, being niggardly only to himself. Allah paak is self- sufficient ; it is you who are the needy. If you turn away, Allah SWT will replace you by another people, and they will not be like you.
Righteousness:
You shall not attain righteousness until you spend out of what you love ( in the way of Allah SWT). Allah SWT whatever you spend.
Sadaqah:
( O Prophet Muhammad SAW) Tell those of my servants who believe that they should establish prayer and spend out of what we have provided them with, both secretly and openly, before there arrives the day when there will be no bargaining not any mutual befriending.
Stinginess:
Allah SWT does not love the arrogant and ghr boastful, who are niggardly and bid others to be niggardly and conceal the bounty which Allah SWT has bestowed upon them. We have kept in readiness a humiliating chastisement for such deniers( of Allah's SWT bounty).
Zakat- what you owe from your money:
The people who where given the book before this did not divine into sects until after the clear statement had come to them, and the only command they were given was to worship Allah SWT,making their religion sincerely his, turning all their attention towards him, and to establish the Salat and to pay the Zakat: for this alone is the most true and right religion.
Establish prayer and dispense the purifying Alms ( Zakat) and bow in worship with those who bow.
Rye believers, both men and women are allies of one another. They enjoin good, forbid evil, establish prayer, pat Zakat and obey Allah SWT and his Messenger. Surely, Allah SWT will show mercy to them. Allah paak is all Mighty , all- wise.
The alms are meant only for the poor and the needy and those who are in charge thereof, those whose hearts are to be reconciled; and to free those in bondage and to help those burdened with debt, and for expenditure in the way of Allah SWT and fir the wayfarer. This is an obligation from Allah paak. Allah SWT is all- knowing, all- wise.
2. The Hadiths:
Narrated Hakim bin Hizam that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: the upper hand us better than the lower hand ( i.e he who gives in charity is better than him who takes it). One should start giving first to his dependents. And the best object of charity is better object of charity is that which is given by a wealthy person . And whoever abstains from asking others for some financial help, Allah SWT will give him and save him from asking others, Allah SWT will make him self- sufficient.
Hazrat Abu Huraira related that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: He who makes a habit of asking from others reaches out fir a brand of fire, so let him refrain or continue,as he desires.
Clothing:
Ibn Abbas related that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: Any Muslim who gives a Muslim to garment to wear will be in Allah's SWT safekeeping as long as a shred if it remains on him.
Debt: Relieving the person in debt:
Abu Qatadah related that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: if anyone would like Allah SWT to save him from the hardships of the day of resurrection, he should give more time to his debtor who is short of money, or remit hua debt altogether.
Food and the needy:
Safwan ibn Salim related that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: Anyone who looks after and works for a widow and a poor person is like a warrior fighting for Allah's cause, or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all night.
Hazrat Anas related that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: if any Muslim plants something or sows seed from which a man, a bird or an animals eats, it counts as a charity for him.
Relatives who are needy:
Hazrat Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: The best charity is that which is practiced by a wealthy person. And try start going giving first to your dependents.
Salman ibn Ameer reported that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: To give something to a poor man brings one rewards, while giving the same to a needy relations brings two: one gir charity and the other for respecting the family ties
Stinginess:
Hazrat Jabir reported that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: Avoid doing injustice to others, for in the day of judgement, it will turn into manifold darkness, and safeguard yourself against miserliness, for it ruined those who were before you. It incited them to murder and treating the unlawful as lawful.
Zakat - what you owe from your money:
Hazrat Abbas related that a man asked the prophet Muhammad SAW, tell me what should I do to be admitted to Paradise and he ( the Prophet Muhammad SAW) answered: Worship Allah SWT associating nothing with him, observe salat, pay Zakat and strengthen the ties of kinship.
Hazrat Abu Huraira related that the Prophet Muhammad SAW said: when someone is made rich but he does not pay Zakat for his wealth, then on the day of judgement his money will be turned into a poisonous snake with two black spots on its head. It will coil around his neck and bite his cheeks and say: " I am your wealth , I am your treasure.' Then the Prophet Muhammad SAW recited verse of the Quran Kareem.
The right of the poor in Islam:
From the social standpoint of Islam, supporting society's poor is a constructive value. Three foundational sources eminently to it's adherents to uphold this core ideal.
- Islam puts forward a set of foundation concepts and moral values for supporting the poor.
- A wealth of scriptural texts exhort Muslims to stand ever on the side of the poor.
- Islam lata down a set of statutory rules to actualize communal and individual support for the poor.
Let us take a closer look at these three sources of material and psycho- social backing for the needy in Islam.
1. The right to defend oneself against wrongdoing:
A number of ayat, or sign verses, of the Quran Kareem establish the human right of self defense against transgression. Allah SWT states, for instance, in surah Al- Shura:
But as to those who choose to defend themselves, after having been wronged, there is no cause whatever for blame against them. Rather, the rightful cause shall be against those who wrong people and who commit injustice in the land without any right. These shall have a most painful torment in the hereafter.
The pure essence of this concept of self- defense is the removal of injustice and the establishment of justice, which it establishes by giving every wronged party a due right to vindicate oneself and justice, without retribution. Commenting on this ayah, Imam Tabari states:
There is no cause for blame or punishment against those who defend themselves against wrongdoing, for they do what they do by ( divine) right. Such defense is, therefore in the very nature of the case, neither an act of excess nor wrongdoing. Blame and punishment, rather, attach only to those who wrong people and commit injustice without any right.
Imam Qurtabi said:
This ayah is a proof that a wronged person has the right to personally undertake the task of restoring his usurped right. Now, these wrong doings which one has divine authorization to defend oneself and to vindicate justice come in three forms:
The first form of authority for self- defense:
There is no blame on one who suffers wrongful corporal harm at the hands of another if he avenges himself against the one who has wronged him, provided he does this in a manner proportional to the injury imposed on him.
The second fork of authority for self defense:
Transgressing one's right: A crime against one's person, right, or property, for which there is a prescribed divine punishment ( i.e adultery , theft) , entitles one to redress. However, the community is responsible for administering the punishment for any of such crime.
Allah paak has indeed imposed upon the wealthy the duty to apply the basic needs of the poor in their communities. Hence, whenever the poor of a community can find nothing to protect themselves from the ravages of hunger and homelessness, then such is sufficient proof of neglect of the commands of Allah paak will call them to account and properly punish them on the day of judgement.
Ali also said:
" Never have I seen of vast wealth, save that I have observed a usurped right along with it".
2. Championing the values of equality and justice:
There are many texts of revelation that exhort Muslims to equality and that praise equality. Hazrat Abu Huraira narrated: " The Messenger of Allah SWT was once asked : who is the most honorable person, O Messenger of Allah SWT? He replied: The one who fears Allah SWT most" .
Even so says Allah SWT in the Quran Kareem:
O humankind! Indeed we have created all of you from a single male and female. Moreover, we have made you peoples and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. And, indeed the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah SWT, is the most God - fearing of you. Indeed, Allah SWT is all- knowing all aware.
In the social perspective of Islam, equality means that relationships among Muslims are to be governed by a set of abstracted and universal rules, namely the Shariah rules, which transcend all other considerations, cultural or of any other aspects. This, of course does not mean that Islam denies the existence of differences in talents and personal capabilities among human beings, for Allah SWT has said:
Are they the ones, then who apportion the mercy of your Lord, O Prophet? Rather, it us we alone who apportion among them their very livelihood in the life of this world. Moreover, it is we alone who have raised some of them above others, by degrees, so that they may employ one another in service. Yet the mercy of your Lord is better than all that they amass.
This verse also shows that Allah's decree of varying gradients of provisions among human beings is a social mechanism for the purpose of wealth distribution.
" O you who believe! Be most upright in upholding justice, Bearing true witness for the sake of Allah SWT alone- even if it is against your nearest relatives, regardless of whether one party is rich and the other is poor, for Allah SWT is most regard ful of what is good for them both . So do not follow whim such that you prevent equity. For it you distort testimony or turn away from the truth, then indeed. Ever is Allah SWT all aware of all that you do."
Thus, justice is essentially a procedural arrangement to determine who is in the right between disputing parties. However, procedures of justice are meant to be carried out in accordance with the rules that govern relationships and transactions among people prior to the rise of dispute, and in order to obviate injustice.
Islam's foundational concept of vindicating the support and sustenance of the poor, who are invariably downtrodden wherever the rule of Islam is not applied, is implicit in the ayah:
Yet we intended to confer favour on those oppressed in the land and to make them exemplary leaders in faith; and to make them inheritors of our commandments. This concept points out a divine Sunnah the manifestation of Allah's will in human history. Here Sunnah means Allah's SWT unalterable and established ways. Whose materialization is inevitable provided their conditions are satisfied.
The nature of this concept is that it is the way of Allah SWT to give power integrated sense, which embraces it's multiple dimensions - civilizational, ethical, religious and economic) to the oppressed.
Yet the materialization of this "Imamate"hinges upon the mustad' afun's awareness of, and commitment to, the requirements upon which the promised inmate is conditioned. In another words, they must become upright believers who capture the qualities of character, action, and belief as Allah paak has commanded them in his book and his book and as his Prophet Muhammad SAW has exemplified and taught them in the Sunnah of his life.
According to Ibn Abbas, the statement of Allah SWT in the previous verse- to make them exemplary leaders - means to " make them leaders in everything good".
The Quran Kareem also indicates the other worldly torment awaiting those who are passive in accepting the oppression that is visited upon them- a torment no less severe than that of their oppressors:
"And behold! They shall argue with one another in the fire of hell. Thus the weak of the world shall say to those who were devoted followers of yours! So can you avail us, even a little, against any portion of the fire? Those who were insolently arrogant shall say: indeed we are all of us steeped in it, Allah SWT has already judged between all his servants with justice".
4. Rejecting the leadership of the affluent Elite:
Contrary to the leadership of the mustad' afun's stands the leadership premised on insolent arrogance and economic and political oppression).
Allah SWT says:
" Thus when we intend to destroy a town for evil doing. We first command it's affluent Elite to become righteous. Yet should they continue to commit flagrant deeds of ungodliness therein, then the divine word of doom comes to pass against it. Then do we demolish it utterly".
The term al- mutrafun mentioned in the ayah does not denote solely the wealthy. Rather, it refers to those who possess vast wealth, who are keep on.maintaining a leadership and social status quo if control that is based on the arrogance binary opposition.
Islamic teachings on helping the poor and needy:
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of helping the poor and needy, viewing it as a fundamental part of faith, social justice and human responsibility. There are many aspects within Islamic teachings that highlight the significance of caring for those who are less fortunate.
1. Charity as a pillar of Islam:
One of the five pillars of Islam is Zakat, which is a mandatory forms of almsgiving. Zakat requires Muslims who have the financial means to give a portion ( usually 2.5%) of their wealth to the poor and needy. This practice is seen as both a spiritual obligation and a means of redistricting wealth Within the community of promote justice and equality.
Quranic reference:
- "And establish prayer and give Zakat and obey the messenger - that you may receive mercy".
Zakat helps cleanse the wealth of the individual and serves as a tool to alleviate the hardship of the poor.
2. Feeding the poor:
The Quran Kareem and hadith stress the importance of feeding the hungry. It us considered a righteous act to provide food who are struggling particularly during times of famine or hardship.
3. Sadaqah:
In addition to Zakat, Muslims are encouraged to give sadaqah, which is voluntary charity. Unlike Zakat, sadaqah has no specific amount or tune frame and can be given whenever a person feels inclined to do so. It can take many forms, including money, food,, clothing or even offering a smile or kind word. Every good act is considered sadaqah.
In the Quran Kareem:
" The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah SWT is like that of a seed of grain that grows seven spikes; in each spike are hundred grains".
4. Caring for orphans and widows:
The Prophet Muhammad SAW emphasized the importance of caring for orphans and widows. Islam considers helping orphans a virtuous deed, with the Quran Kareem highlighting the rights of orphans and the responsibility of their guardians to ensure their care and well- being.
In the Quran Kareem:
" And they ask you about orphans. Say, improvement for them is Best".
The Muhammad SAW said:
" I and the one who cares for an orphan will be like this in paradise," and he held his two fingers together.
5. Helping the needy without expectation:
Islam teaches that charity should be given without any expectation of a return. The giver is encouraged to do so with sincerity, seeking Allah's pleasure rather than personal recognition or reward.
In the Quran Kareem:
" The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah SWT is like a seed that grows into seven spikes, with a hundred grains in each spike ".
The Prophet Muhammad SAW also mentioned:
" When a servant gives charity, and his right hand gives charity, his left hand does not know what his right hand has given".
6. The importance of justice and equality:
Islamic teachings emphasize the concept of justice and the equal distribution of wealth. Helping the poor is not just an act of charity but an act of social justice. The wealthier members of society have a responsibility to ensure that no one lives in poverty or struggles for basic needs.
Quran reference:
" Take care of a poor, the needy, and those who are in distress, and give them of your wealth ".
The concept of " mujahada" also plays a key role in establishing an equitable society.
7. The importance of empathy and compassion:
Islam encourages a Spirit of empathy and compassion toward those in need. Helping others is not seen merely as a financial transaction but as an expression of human solidarity. The wealthy are urger to look beyond their own material success and care about the welfare of those less fortunate.
Hadith of Hazrat Muhammad SAW:
" None of you truly believe until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself".
8. The reward for helping the poor:
The reward for helping the poor and needy is immense in Islam. Muslims believe they acts of charity not only bring about social change but also earn spiritual regards in the hereafter. Allah SWT promises great rewards for those who assist the less fortunate, and charity is considered a means of purifying one's soul and wealth.
In the Quran Kareem:
" The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah SWT is like that of a seed that grows seven spikes; in each spike are a hundred grains ".
In Islam, helping the poor and needy is not just a recommended act but a spiritual and social obligation. It is means to purify one's wealth, earn spiritual rewards, and promote justice within the community. Through Zakat, sadaqah and individual acts of kindness, Muslims are encouraged to play an active role in supporting those in need, creating a more just and compassionate society.
Conclusion:
Helping the poor in Islam is not merely an act of kindness but a fundamental religious obligation that reflects faith, compassion, and social responsibility. Islam emphasizes caring for the needy through obligatory acts such as Zakat and voluntary charity (Sadaqah), ensuring dignity, justice, and balance within society. By supporting the poor, Muslims purify their wealth, strengthen community bonds, and promote social equality. Ultimately, helping the poor embodies the core Islamic values of mercy, generosity, and accountability to Allah, contributing to both individual spiritual growth and the well-being of the entire society.