Feed the Poor

Even though hunger in the land of the torrent is not an unfamiliar phenomenon, the last few decades of economic turbulence have aggravated matters for the poor in this country. As unemployment and stagnation have escalated and liquidations and foreclosures have increased, the ratio of the poor has the bulge in alarming volumes. So, we encounter ourselves in the incongruous plight that every sixth person in the richest state on earth is presently living below the poverty line. It is our foremost duty to ponder over and anticipate of where we can insert our part to fix this issue. As Muslims, we are supposed to be the curator of this earth and all its creatures.

As the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is reported to have said,

“He is not a Muslim who goes to bed gratified while his next-door neighbor goes hungry”.

What Does the Holy Quran Says About Feeding the Needy

The longer we give sadaqah the better we boost our Iman and thus, we expect Allah’s rewards both in this world and in the life hereafter. Giving charity out of our wealth does not decrease our wealth but instead, Allah (s.w.t.) increases it.

“Allah will divest usury of all blessing, but will give upsurge for deeds of charity: for He loves not creatures ungrateful and sinner.” (Qur’an, 2: 276)

Al-Quran further states, “To utter a kind word and to condone people’s flaws is better than charity followed by hurt. Allah is All-Sufficient, All-Forbearing.”

It’s a Devotion to a Sinless Life

It is a contemplated duty of every Muslim to encourage living souls with the means that one has. But, he shouldn’t rely upon something in return. Philanthropy should be done solely for Allah and we should discern a reward only from Him.

While describing the virtuous people in Surah Al-Insan, the Quran says:

“And the ones who offer food, instead of their own need, to the needy, and the orphan, and the hostage, [saying in their hearts],’We only feed you for the sake of Allah Almighty, and we ask for nothing in return from you, not even a word of thanks’’ (76:8-9).

Quran further states,

“The conscientious are those, who feed the poor, the orphan and the captive for the sake of Allah ( SWT)– Quran, 76:8-9

Significance of Sharing

The act of donation is considered to be one of the most favorable acts in Islam. It is mentioned time to time again that the act of charity is admirable, and should be performed on a regular basis.

Another hadith states that he will be amongst the seventh person who will be shaded by Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgment is “a man who gives endowments & funds so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given.”

Food Given In Charity Has Its Eternal Reward

Prophet (PBUH) also demonstrates us that what is given in donation and what is being delivered to the needy is what actually remains (eternally in terms of reward with Allah), as opposed to the food we consume.

Hazrat Aishah (May Allah is pleased with her) proclaimed,

Once prophet Mohammad (PBUH) had slaughtered a sheep and distributed major portions of its meat.

Then He asked, “Is there anything left?”

She replied, “Nothing, except the shoulder.”

Thereupon he said, “All of it is left except its shoulder.” [At-Tirmidhi]

With these notions and some food for thought, may Allah SWT make us ponder over what we are up to in accordance with the Islamic preaching and teachings for this issue of hunger in our society? As stated by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), “Spread the Peace & Feed the Poor”.