admin
Umari Stambuli The Holy Qur’aan Speaks —
THE Holy Qur’aan constantly highlights and emphasises the need for all whom Allah has bestowed with any of His bounties to be considerate of and generous towards those who may be less privileged or in a state of need.
The circumstances of need may differ: like orphans, widows, the elderly, the ill, the needy and so forth. The underlying factor is that man should not remain indifferent to the plight of these sections of community.
Islam teaches that these people have a kind of a “right” on the rest of community and society. After all we are all of the same humankind and experience the same human emotions, and feelings.
In the Holy Qur’aan, Allah Almighty declares: “Serve Allah and join not any partners with Him. And be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are related, neighbours who are strangers…” (Ch 4:36)
Whilst we have previously seen from this verse that the rights of parents come first then those of relatives, it is worthy to note that there are others in community who have “rights” upon us and as previously highlighted, the categories are listed in the order of the bonds of relation that we have as well as the need that others have.
In the teachings of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammed (peace be upon him), the importance of respect for the rights of the weaker and poorer sections of society . Also the orphans, the widows, the needy, the destitute and downtrodden etc — are stressed.
To care for their needs and look after their well being has been described as a virtue of the highest order and the Prophet (pbuh) has given the tidings of a vast reward in this regard.
Orphans
According to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh), the best home is the one wherein an orphan is supported and is treated in a loving and affectionate manner, and the worst is that home wherein an orphan lives and is treated badly or cruelly.
He once declared: “Whoever supports an orphan from among his own or any other family, he will be as close to me in Heaven as these fingers are close to each other.”
It is reported that he made a motion of his index and middle fingers (while he said this) and there was only a little space between the two.
This explains the status, in the Hereafter, of that bondsman who accepts the responsibility of supporting an orphan belonging either to his own family or any other family with whom he has no particular blood tie.
Other Prophetic teachings highlight that even if one is unable to take full care of an orphan but merely shows love and compassion, he will attain great blessing from The Almighty.
The Holy Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) stated: “Whoever caresses the head of an orphan (in affection), solely for the sake of The Almighty (with no ulterior motive), a good deed will be written to his account for every hair over which he passed his hand.”
Widow and the needy
The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) said: “Whoever strives to relieve (the distress of) the widow and the needy, is as one who fasts continuously during the days and spends the nights in prayers (in terms of reward and blessings).”
The act of spending one’s days in fasting and nights in prayer is greatly rewardable.
These acts of worship are the best in terms of drawing closer to The Almighty and serving Him, but we are taught that the same is the worth, value and reward of a person who takes pains to assist and comfort the widow or those in need – by any means like spending his wealth on them, simple acts of kindness by way of assisting in their daily chores, giving some time to listen to their plight, share some consoling words or by sincerely trying to draw the attention of others to their problems and difficulties.
For further information on Islam or a free copy of the Holy Qur’aan, please contact:
Majlisul Ulama Zimbabwe, Council of Islamic Scholars
Publications Department
PO Box W93, Waterfalls, Harare
Tel: 04-614078/614004, Fax: 04-614003
e-mail: [email protected]
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter