Helping the Distressed

Helping and supporting those in distress is a trait that is encouraged
by Islam and a noble characteristic that is an implication of sincere
brotherhood and chivalry. The lifeand manners of the Prophet present
the finest example for every aspect of our life, especially in helping
and supporting those in need or distress. The Prophet was known for
this noble characteristic, even before receiving the divine message.
When he received the revelation for the first time he went back
toKhadeejah and told her about what had happened to him, he added: "I
feared that something might happen to me." Khadeejah said, "Never! By
Allaah, Allaah will never fail you as you maintain the ties of
kinship, speak the truth, help the poor and the destitute, serve your
guests generously, and assist deserving, calamity-afflicted people."
Thus Khadeejah deduced that Allaah would protect the Prophet because
of his good deeds, including his keenness to help the distressed, as,
after all, aperson reaps what he sows.
In Islam, relieving others of their distress is considered a duty for
those who can do so and a good deed towards which people should race.
The Prophet said: "Allaah helps whoever helps his brother."` His words
have become an axiom for Muslims.
Moreover the Prophet commanded Muslims to assist those in need and
distress. When he forbade his Companions from sitting on roads unless
they observed the rights of the road, he explained that these rights
included helping those in distressand guiding the lost: Imaam Ahmad
narrated on the authority of Al-Baraa' ibn 'Aazib that the Prophet
passed by some people while they were sitting on the road and said to
them: "If you have to sit there then guide the lost, return greetings
and support the oppressed."
Helping those in distress is a rewardable charity. In a Hadeeth on the
authority of Abu Moosa Al-Ash'ari the Prophet said: "Giving charity is
an obligation upon every Muslim." He was asked, "O Messenger of
Allaah, what about the one who does not find something to give?"' He
said: "Let him workwith his hands and give in charity." He was asked,
"What if he still does not find anything to give?" He replied: "Then
let him assist those in need and in distress…"
A person who asks for help may be oppressed, helpless or distressed,
and in all cases helping him and fulfilling his need is relief for his
suffering. In return, Allaah The Almighty promises to relieve the
distress of those who relieve others on the Day of Resurrection. The
Prophet said: "If a person relieves a Muslim of his trouble, Allaah
will relieve him of his troubles on the Day of Resurrection."
I'tikaaf, or ritual seclusion in the mosque, is a great act of
worshipand its reward is also great as a Muslim leaves everything
behind for it and dedicates himself to worshipping Allaah The
Almighty.However, the reward of the person who fulfills the need of
others is greater than the one who performs I'tikaaf. In this regard,
the Prophet said: "It isbetter for the one who moves to fulfill his
brother's need to do so than to make I'tikaaf for ten years."
Al-Hasan once ordered Thaabit Al-Bunaani to go andfulfill the need of
a certain man. Thaabit said, "But I am in thestate of I'tikaaf."
Al-Hasan said to him, "O foolish man! Do you not know that fulfilling
the need of your brother is better for you than making I'tikaaf?"
Helping those in distress and fulfilling people's needs indicates
strong faith and sincere brotherhood. The chivalrous and magnanimous
cannot endure seeing anyone in distress, and without any hesitation or
delay they hurry to assist the distressed, voluntarily seeking the
reward of Allaah The Almighty. Moosa (Moses) the magnanimous and noble
prophetof Allaah, escaped from the oppression of Pharaoh. He was tired
and exhausted when he reached the well of Madyan, and there he found a
crowd of men watering their flocks. He also found two women there who
were waiting for the men to finish so that they could water their
flocks too. Once he knew their need, he did not wait for them to ask
him for help, rather he took the initiative and watered them for them.
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And when he came to the well
of Madyan, he found there a crowd of people watering [their flocks],
and he found aside from them two women driving back [their flocks]. He
said, "What is your circumstance?" They said, "We do not water until
the shepherds dispatch [their flocks]; and our father is an old man."
So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he went back to the shade
and said, "My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down
to me, in need."} [Quran 28:23, 24]
This is the attitude of the chivalrous - they never hesitate when it
comes to helping others and relieving the distressed.
Finally, helping those in need andsupporting those in distress is a
way of thanking and praising Allaah The Almighty for His blessings,
and this causes the blessings of Allaah The Almighty to continue and
increase, as the more blessings a person is granted, the more people
need his help. Therefore, if a person praises Allaah The Almighty for
His blessings, they will last and, vice versa.
We seek refuge with Allaah The Almighty against the cessation ofHis
blessings, and may His blessings and peace be upon His Messenger his
family, his Companions and those who follow him.