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Helping and supporting those in distress and those in need is a trait that is encouraged by Islam and a noble characteristic that is an implication of sincere brotherhood and nobility. The life and manners of the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) — who was the Last and Final Messenger of The Almighty to humanity — present the finest example for every aspect of our lives, especially in helping and supporting those in need or distress.
Human duty
In Islam, relieving the distress of others is considered a duty for those who can do so and a good deed towards which people should race. In fact, it is presented as an opportunity to gain the help and support of The Almighty Himself.
The Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah Almighty helps whoever helps his fellow brother.”
His words have since become a maxim for Muslims.
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) commanded Muslims to assist those in need and distress.
Once he passed by some people while they were sitting on the roadside and said to them: “If you have to sit there then guide the lost person, reply the greetings, relieve the distressed and support the oppressed.”
An act of charity
Helping those in distress is a rewardable charity.
The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said: “Giving charity is an obligation upon every Believer.”
He was asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what about the one who does not find something to give?”
He (peace be upon him) said: “Let him work with his hands and give in charity.”
He was asked, “What if he still does not find anything to give?” He (peace be upon him) replied: “Then let him (physically) assist those in need and in distress . . .”
A person who asks for help may be oppressed, helpless or distressed, and in all cases helping him and fulfilling his need is relief for his suffering. In return, Allah The Almighty promises to relieve the distress of those who relieve others on the Day of Resurrection. The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said: “If a person relieves a fellow Believer of his trouble, Allah will relieve him of his troubles on the Day of Resurrection.”
Helping those in distress and fulfilling people’s needs indicates strong faith and sincere brotherhood.
Those who are noble in character cannot endure seeing anyone in distress, and without any hesitation or delay they hurry to assist the distressed, voluntarily seeking the reward of Allah the Almighty.
Prophetic example
Prophet Moses (peace be upon him), one of the Noble Messengers of Allah, escaped from the oppression of Pharaoh. He was tired and exhausted when he reached the well of Madyan, and there he found a crowd of men watering their flocks. He also found two women there who were waiting for the men to finish so that they could water their flocks too.
Once he knew their need, he did not wait for them to ask him for help, rather he took the initiative and watered their flock for them.
Allah The Almighty records the noble act in the Holy Qur’aan: “And when he (Moses) came to the well of Madyan, he found there a crowd of people watering [their flocks], and he found aside from them two women driving back [their flocks]. He said, “What is your circumstance?”
They said, “We do not water until the shepherds dispatch [their flocks]; and our father is an old man.”
So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he turned around to settle in the shade and said, “My Lord, indeed I am in need of whatever good You would send down to me.” [Chapter 28 : verses 23 – 24]
This is the attitude of the gracious — they never hesitate when it comes to helping others and relieving the distressed.
Thanksgiving and gratitude
Finally, helping those in need and supporting those in distress — even at least by moral support and prayer for them — is a way of thanking and praising Allah The Almighty for His blessings upon oneself, and this in turn causes the blessings of Allah The Almighty not only to continue but to also increase.
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact: Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars Publications Department,P.O. Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare; Tel: 04-614078 / 614004, Fax : 04-614003/e-mail: [email protected]
