Helping the poor through charity, zakat, and meeting their needs is emphasized in the Quran.
The Holy Quran places great emphasis on helping the poor and the needy. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah states: 'Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.' This verse clearly illustrates the importance of charity and support for those in need. Additionally, in verse 261 of Surah Al-Baqarah, it is mentioned that 'The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears.' This provides a beautiful image of the impact of philanthropy in social and personal life. Therefore, helping the poor can be approached in various ways, such as paying zakat, offering voluntary charity, and assisting in meeting their essential needs. Moreover, the Quran mentions eight categories of beneficiaries in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 60, which includes zakat and charitable donations for the poor and the needy. On the other hand, providing skills training or creating job opportunities can also be significant forms of assistance. It is important to note that helping is not only an act of charity but an opportunity to strengthen social bonds and foster empathy in society.
Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves.
The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears; in every ear is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.
The alms are only for the poor and the needy and for those employed to collect them and for bringing hearts together and for freeing slaves and for those who are in debt and for the cause of Allah and for the traveler. A duty imposed by Allah. And Allah is Knowing and Wise.
One day, a wealthy man decided to donate a part of his wealth to the poor. He went to a deprived area for distributing his aid and faced with the joyful faces of the poor. One of the children asked him to pay more attention to their schools so that the kids could learn and escape poverty. The man was moved and decided that not only would he provide money, but he would also facilitate new educational opportunities. He realized that helping the poor is not just about financial aid but also about improving their entire lives.