Why Should We Be Useful to Others?

In the clear and guiding teachings of the Holy Quran, one of the central and repeatedly emphasized themes is the importance and virtue of helping and being useful to others. This concept is not merely an ethical recommendation but a fundamental pillar of true faith and servitude in Islam. The primary and foundational reason for this divine command originates from the very concept of Tawhid (Oneness of God) and understanding humanity’s place in existence. When we view the creation of human beings as Allah's vicegerents on Earth, we realize that this role entails an immense responsibility; a responsibility that can only be fulfilled by serving creation and being beneficial to society, for without it, true human prosperity would remain incomplete. This perspective lifts individuals from the narrow confines of self-centeredness and propels them towards broader horizons of altruism and responsibility. The Holy Quran considers humanity as a social being whose prosperity is intertwined with the prosperity of the community in which they live. Almighty Allah, in numerous verses, calls upon believers to cooperate in righteousness and piety, to spend in His way, to assist the needy, and to establish justice. These commandments are not only individual in nature but directly point towards building a healthy and dynamic society. For instance, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 2, Allah states: “وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ ۖ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ” which translates to: “And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.” This verse clearly demonstrates that the foundation of social interactions among believers must be based on goodness and piety. Being useful to others is, in essence, the manifestation of this cooperation and mutual support, because a strong society depends on the participation and service of each of its members to one another. Another significant reason for being useful is to attain divine pleasure and love. The Quran repeatedly states that Allah loves those who do good and show kindness to His servants. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195, it is mentioned: “وَأَحْسِنُوا ۛ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ” meaning: “And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.” This divine love is the highest reward a servant can achieve. When a person benefits others through their good deeds, they are in fact treading the path to earning this divine love and drawing closer to Him. This closeness brings an unparalleled inner peace and spiritual contentment that cannot be compared to any worldly gain. Allah grants the reward for this kindness not only in the Hereafter but also in this world, in the form of blessings in wealth, peace in life, and popularity among people. Furthermore, being useful to others is a reflection of Allah's own benevolence and generosity towards us. In Surah Al-Qasas, verse 77, we read: “وَأَحْسِن كَمَا أَحْسَنَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ” which means: “And do good as Allah has done good to you.” This verse sets forth a golden principle: just as we are immersed in Allah's boundless blessings and mercy, we should also demonstrate this generosity and kindness in our interactions with His servants. Our lives are full of divine gifts and grace; from health and sustenance to guidance and countless opportunities. This verse reminds us that our kindness to others is, in fact, practical gratitude for these blessings and a reflection of divine attributes within us. Every bit of goodness we extend to another is, in essence, a return to the source of perfection and beauty. This connection between divine benevolence and human benevolence sets in motion a cycle of goodness and blessings in the world. The Quran also places great emphasis on human responsibility towards vulnerable segments of society. Orphans, the needy, the poor, travelers, and neighbors are all groups whose rights and well-being are repeatedly enjoined in various verses. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 36, Allah elaborates: “وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ وَالْجَارِ ذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْجَارِ الْجُنُبِ وَالصَّاحِبِ بِالْجَنبِ وَابْنِ السَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَانُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًا فَخُورًا” meaning: “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor, the companion by your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.” This verse is a complete ethical charter that extends the circle of kindness and beneficence from family and relatives to strangers and even those under one's care. Each of these groups represents an opportunity to be useful and earn divine reward; an opportunity to remove the rust of selfishness from the heart and attain the highest levels of humanity. From an individual perspective, being useful to others significantly contributes to one's spiritual and moral growth. When a person frees themselves from selfishness and extends a helping hand to others, their heart expands, they experience greater inner peace, and a sense of purpose and worth in their life becomes more pronounced. This self-purification and soul-refinement yield abundant worldly and otherworldly fruits. In this world, it leads to blessings in life, respect and love from others, and the creation of a secure and stable society. In the Hereafter, the promised divine rewards are countless and eternal, and no one will be closer to divine mercy than those who supported others. In summary, being useful to others in the Holy Quran is not merely a virtue but a divine obligation, a sign of true faith, a path to earning Allah's pleasure and expressing gratitude for His blessings, and a factor for individual growth and social cohesion. This act is the foundation of an Islamic and human society built upon love, cooperation, and justice, bringing forth prosperity in this life and the Hereafter for everyone. Therefore, every step we take towards being useful to another is, in essence, a step on the path of perfection and proximity to the Divine Presence and building a better world for ourselves and future generations.