Is not helping others a sin?

In the exalted teachings of the Holy Quran, the concept of aiding others, especially the needy and the vulnerable, holds an exceptionally high status and is considered one of the fundamental pillars of faith and piety. From the Quranic perspective, refraining from helping others, particularly when an individual possesses the ability and means, and there is a clear and pressing need, is not merely a moral deficiency. Instead, it can lead to severe and detrimental consequences in this world and the hereafter, and it is not outside the scope of 'sin' in the sense of disobeying divine commands. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of giving charity (Infaq), kindness (Ihsan), aiding the destitute, orphans, the poor, travelers, and neighbors. These emphatic directives underscore the fact that the Islamic community (Ummah) is built upon cooperation, empathy, and mutual responsibility. While Allah, in numerous verses, praises benevolence and generosity, promising immense rewards for them, He, conversely, severely condemns and warns those who withhold aid from His creation. One of the most explicit and impactful verses in this regard is found in Surah Al-Ma'un. In this Surah, Allah Almighty equates those who drive away orphans and do not encourage the feeding of the poor with those who deny the Day of Judgment. It pronounces woe upon those who pray but are heedless of their prayers, who show off, and who withhold 'Ma'un' (simple acts of kindness and everyday assistance). These verses clearly demonstrate that a failure to perform good deeds and even small acts of help towards others can have grave consequences and signify a lack of genuine faith or its weakness. Withholding Ma'un, which refers to essential necessities and minor assistance, is not just an undesirable act; in the context of this Surah, it is considered a sign of disbelief in the Day of Judgment and a denial of religion itself. This Quranic expression links the act of not helping to significant transgressions because it originates from a spiritual and emotional state devoid of compassion and empathy. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, the Quran defines 'Birr' (true righteousness) not merely as ritualistic acts of worship, but as encompassing belief in Allah, the Last Day, and giving wealth – despite loving it – to relatives, orphans, the needy, travelers, and beggars. This verse identifies financial aid, alongside prayer and Zakat (obligatory charity), as primary indicators of piety and sincerity in faith. Consequently, failing to perform these acts can mean failing to achieve true 'Birr' and straying from the path of piety, which itself is a form of sin and deviation from the straight path of Allah. Moreover, in Surah An-Nisa, verse 36, immediately after commanding the worship of Allah and avoiding idolatry, Allah Almighty instructs believers to show kindness to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, near and distant neighbors, companions, travelers, and those whom their right hands possess (referring to the vulnerable and workers today). This strong connection between worshipping God and showing benevolence to creation indicates that these two are inseparable; neglecting one negatively impacts the other. Disregarding the rights of these segments of society is a clear manifestation of unkindness and hardness of heart, qualities that Allah dislikes and condemns in those who possess them. The Quran also highlights the importance of altruism and self-sacrifice. In Surah Al-Hashr, verse 9, Allah praises those who, despite their own needs, prioritize others over themselves and are protected from the stinginess of their souls. This verse identifies self-sacrifice as a characteristic of the successful. Therefore, the failure to help, in contrast to altruism, signifies the characteristic of miserliness and spiritual avarice, from which Allah has warned believers, considering it an impediment to salvation. How can those who are not protected from the miserliness of their souls claim success? This shows that miserliness and the failure to help are significant obstacles in a person's spiritual journey. In summary, it can be stated that in Islam, not helping others, especially when one has the financial or physical capacity to provide aid and there is a dire need, is not only an undesirable and reprehensible act but can also fall into the category of major or minor sins, distancing a person from divine mercy and forgiveness. Islam is a religion founded on social justice, empathy, and solidarity. Someone who is capable of helping yet turns their back on the needy is, in essence, harming these foundations and disregarding divine and human rights. On the Day of Judgment, every individual will be held accountable for their deeds, including the extent of their help and assistance to others. Therefore, a true believer is not only someone who fulfills their religious obligations but also one who is proactive and engaged in all aspects of life, including aiding fellow human beings, with a heart full of compassion and mercy. This act not only brings immense reward in the afterlife but also leads to a healthier, more cohesive society, fostering love and brotherhood among people.