Sympathy for the poor is a sign of faith and a humane spirit, reminding us to share Allah's blessings.
Sympathizing with the poor is a central theme in Islamic teachings, emphasized in the Holy Quran. One primary reason to empathize with the less fortunate is that such acts reflect a humane and Islamic spirit. Allah commands us in the Quran to pay attention to orphans and the needy and to assist them. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 177, Allah mentions, 'and giving of zakah,' highlighting the importance of zakat as both a religious obligation and a form of sympathy toward the poor. This verse indicates that paying zakat is not just a means of helping those in need but also a testament to our faith and piety. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 55, believers are instructed to support scholars and the needy. In a culture focused on wealth accumulation, empathizing with the poor can cultivate closer relationships among community members. This act fosters love, camaraderie, and friendship and brings us closer to Allah. Moreover, sympathy signifies the suspension of selfishness and encouraging focus on the needs of others, an undertone that is morally and spiritually valuable. Ultimately, helping the poor serves as a reminder that life is filled with Allah's blessings and encourages sharing these gifts with others.
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 his love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; and establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who fulfill their promise when they promise]; and [those who are] patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.
Your ally is none but Allah and His Messenger and those who have believed - those who establish prayer and give zakah while they bow [in worship].
One day, a poor man was wandering the streets, searching for sustenance. Suddenly, he noticed an orphan child sitting in a corner, crying. The man approached and asked the child why he was crying. The child replied, 'I'm hungry, and no one helps me.' The man decided to help him and took some food from his pocket to give to the child. The child's face brightened with a smile, and he thanked the man. This simple act brought joy to the man's spirit, making him realize that helping others not only benefits them but also brings peace to himself.