How can I truly help others?

In the precious teachings of the Holy Quran, helping others is not merely a virtuous act but an essential faith duty and a sign of human excellence. Achieving 'true help' for others goes beyond simply fulfilling a material need; it involves a comprehensive approach, coupled with sincere intention, respect for human dignity, and a deep understanding of the nature of needs. The Quran guides us towards an approach where assistance is a pillar of the Islamic society and a path to drawing closer to Allah. The first and most crucial element of true help is 'sincere intention.' Allah emphasizes in several verses that every action, especially charity and helping others, must be solely for His pleasure, without any material expectation or desire for thanks and praise from people. In Surah Al-Insan, verses 8 and 9, it states: "And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'" These verses clearly indicate that true help occurs when one's heart and intention are pure and free from any selfishness or ostentation. If our help is accompanied by a desire for show-off, fame, or future reciprocation, it loses its spiritual value and becomes a worldly pursuit. Genuine help is given without expecting anything in return, seeking its only reward from Allah Almighty. The second aspect of true help is its 'comprehensiveness and diversity.' Helping others is not limited to financial aid alone. The Holy Quran and the tradition of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encourage a wide range of assistance. This help can include material aid (such as Zakat, Sadaqah, Qard Hasan – good loans), physical assistance (like helping carry burdens, assisting with tasks, being present during disasters), emotional and psychological support (such as comforting, listening to problems, showing empathy), intellectual and educational assistance (like teaching a skill, offering advice, disseminating knowledge), and even social and political help (such as standing against oppression, defending the rights of the oppressed). In Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, it says: "...and cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty." This verse lays down a general principle that believers should be helpers and supporters of each other in every form of goodness and virtue, whether material or spiritual. The third point is 'quality and offering the best.' The Quran encourages us to spend from what we love and from the best of our possessions. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 267, we read: "O you who have believed, spend from the good things which you have earned and from that which We have produced for you from the earth. And do not aim for what is bad [from it] to spend, as you would not take it yourselves except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy." This verse reminds us that true help is when we give away the best and most beloved of our possessions in the way of Allah and to help others, not what is superfluous or worthless. This act demonstrates genuine generosity and deep faith. The fourth crucial point in true help is 'preserving the dignity and honor of the needy person.' Help should not be accompanied by reminding them of the favor, humiliating them, or exposing their vulnerability. The Quran strongly forbids those who give charity and then nullify their reward by reminding others of their favor or causing harm. Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 262 and 264, beautifully articulate this. True help is performed in such a way that the recipient does not feel ashamed or humiliated but rather feels that their dignity and human value are preserved. This includes respecting their privacy, speaking kindly, and avoiding any behavior that diminishes their standing. The fifth dimension of true help is 'long-term impact and empowerment.' In many cases, true help means providing the means for the needy individual's independence and self-sufficiency, not just temporary relief. This could involve providing educational opportunities, job training, or small capital to start a business. The ultimate goal is to enable the individual to break free from the cycle of need and become an active, productive member of society. Finally, the Holy Quran promises immense worldly and otherworldly rewards for those who truly help others. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 261, it says: "The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing." This verse provides a beautiful image of Allah's boundless blessings and rewards. Helping others is, in reality, helping oneself, for every good deed we perform reflects back upon us, both in this world and the Hereafter. This help not only transforms the life of the needy individual but also purifies and illuminates the soul and heart of the helper, making them more steadfast on the path of divine pleasure. Therefore, to achieve true help, one must approach the needy with a heart full of sincerity, a hand full of generosity, and a comprehensive, dignity-preserving approach, believing that this path leads to closeness to Allah and true happiness.