Helping other people in Islam is not merely a philanthropic act; it is worship and a means to the mercy of Allah (SWT). The Qur’an and Hadith believe that one should be kind, selfless, and helpful to fellow human beings. Islam encourages Muslims to help other people in any way possible—materially, emotionally, or physically—without asking for anything in return. In this paper, Islamic teachings on Helping Others in Islam, as emphasized by Quranic verses and Hadith, and how these teachings apply to a peaceful community are expounded upon.
Quranic Verses on Assisting Others
The Qur’an is replete with teachings about the goodness of assisting others. One of the strongest Quranic verses about helping others is:
“And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195)
This verse is calling out Muslims to perform goodness, e.g., maintaining the poor. Another truly deep verse is:
“They give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.’” (Surah Al-Insan 76:8-9)
Here, the believers give others for Allah’s sake and not for people’s praise. The above Quranic verses regarding assisting others create a sense of selflessness in society.
Hadith About Helping Others
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was a great example of mercy and compassion. There are several hadith regarding helping others that call on Muslims to be compassionate:
“Whoever relieves a believer’s distress of the distressful aspects of this world, Allah will rescue him from a difficulty of the difficulties of the Hereafter.” (Sahih Muslim 2699)
This hadith announces that the assistance done in this life ensures God’s assistance in the Hereafter. Another Hadith reads:
“Allah helps His servant as long as he helps his brother.” (Sahih Muslim 2699)
This hadith summarizes the verse: Allah helps those who help others, affirming God’s helping in helping fellow human beings.
The Rewards of Helping Others in Islam
Helping others is not an act of helping for selfless purposes; it is a spiritual one. When a Muslim helps a needy person, the action is highly rewarded:
- It brings barakah (blessings) in wealth and time.
- It purifies sins.
- It brings one closer to Allah.
“The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people.” (Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat 6026)
This is the definition of helping others in Islam. The more you give to others, the closer you are to Allah.
Forms of Helping in Islam Islam allows various forms of helping:
- Financial Help: Donating Zakat, Sadaqah, or pure charity to the needy.
- Physical Help: Helping the elderly, alleviating a person’s burden, or assisting in disasters.
- Emotional Help: Providing comfort, listening to a person, or counseling in hardship.
- Social Assistance: Striving for justice, protecting the rights of the oppressed, and providing aid to community programs.
These are according to the principles of the Qur’an and Hadith, and are included in your good deed.
Role of Intention in Serving Other People
In Islam, the role of niyyah or intention is of very significant importance. Even a minute deed can be converted into something significant by the intent behind it.
“Actions are judged by intentions, and everyone will be rewarded according to what they intended.” (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Whether giving a glass of water or donating thousands, it is the good intention behind the act that makes the difference between a sincere generosity and the act of pure giving.
Balance in Giving Help
Islam is all about balance. Allah cautions in the Qur’an:
“Do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:29)
The verse tells us not to be too generous or too tight-fisted. Give to people, but not to the extent that all your money is wasted. Continuous charity is what Islam teaches.
Life of the Prophet (SAW) as an Example
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself was the best example of helping others:
- He used to visit the sick.
- He used to feed the poor.
- He used to console the sorrowful.
- He would emancipate the slaves and give them a respectable life.
“He who is not merciful to people, Allah will not be merciful to him.” (Sahih Bukhari)
His life is a real-life example of all the hadith of help and Quranic revelations of help.
Offering Help to Humans in Times of Crisis
In times of natural disasters, crises of funds, or epidemics, assisting humans is even more fulfilling. The Prophet (SAW) would say:
“Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Sahih Muslim)
Most would be apprehensive of losing their resources while assisting others. But Islam does instill in us that giving is real wealth.
Being Kind to Non-Muslims and Animals
Kindness is not just for Muslims. The Prophet (SAW) had once mentioned how a man was forgiven because he offered a dog a drink.
“In every living being, there is a reward.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Kindness should be shown to all of creation: Muslims, non-Muslims, and animals.
Simple Ways to Help People in Daily Life
- Donate time at charities and mosques nearby
- Sponsor a child with education
- Help neighbors
- Eliminate injury from society
- Spread wisdom and positivity on the internet
Small things do make a difference. Your effort and time are what Allah cares about.
FAQs on Helping Others In Islam
What is the Quranic ayah on helping others?
Surah Al-Insan 76:9: “We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.”
Is there any hadith about helping others and receiving help from Allah?
Yes. “Allah helps His servant so long as he helps his brother.” (Sahih Muslim)
Does doing good to others make them rich in Islam?
Yes. “Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Sahih Muslim)
How do we assist others in Islam?
Financial assistance, emotional assistance, physical assistance, and social justice.
Can we assist non-Muslims in Islam?
Of course. Islam likes kindness towards the entire creation.
Do we need to have the right intention while assisting others?
Yes. Acts are judged based on intentions. (Hadith)
What is the reward for helping others in Islam?
Forgiveness, mercy, closeness to Allah, and Paradise.
Are there any Quranic verses that talk about helping the poor?
Yes. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195 and Surah Al-Insan 76:8-9.
How does Islam view moderation in charity?
Neither cheap nor wasteful. (Surah Al-Isra 17:29)
Why is assisting others so highlighted in Islam?
It creates a unified society and makes Allah pleased.
For Further Related
Conclusion
Self-help in Islam is a spiritual practice promoted by the Qur’an and hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The quotations are simple: assist others without seeking anything, and Allah will assist you. Read the Quran verses about helping others, try living the hadith about helping others, and try to be the light that would be of assistance to others wherever you go.
May Allah (SWT) place us among the people who simplify things for others and receive His mercy in the world and the Hereafter. Ameen.
“Disclaimer: The Quranic verses and Hadiths quoted in this blog are presented as-is, for educational purposes. If you find any mistakes. Kindly contact us so we can correct them. We highly respect Islamic teachings and strive for 100% accuracy.”
