Charity , Respect, Helper and Compassion

 chapter 1| charity

definition

“Charity brings to life again those who are spiritually dead.”

  -Thomas Aquinas

Charity is the act of extending love and kindness to others unconditionally, which is a conscious act but the decision is made by the heart, without expecting a reward. When Charity is carried out selflessly, it is a one-way act where a person gives but asks for nothing in return.

It is this act of nature that makes it precious and soulful. There are people who believe charity should begin at home but others believe it should originate from the heart. However, charity originates from the heart as you feel the urge of giving, begins from home, ultimately extending to others in the society. Charity begins with the inward recognition of a need to show compassion to others whether consciously or unconsciously. Everyone has problems, troubles, and griefs of some sort in life but charity starts with those who learn to downplay their own problems, in order to extend compassion, kindness, and love to help others. Hence some people set aside their own pains to relieve the pain of others.

Charity is essential and therefore meant to be done for public benefit, relief and to provide assistance to people at times of need in any part of the world, especially those who are the victims of war, natural disaster, catastrophe, hunger, disease, poverty, orphans by supplying them with food, shelter, medical aid, and other fundamental needs. Such charitable purposes can gain momentum from advancing the education of young people for the public benefit by making grants and awards to students in full-time education. When considering poverty in the developing world, people feel deep sorrow but seem to put no effort whatsoever to reduce or eradicate the problem. Poverty in today’s world has turned out to be sinister and we lay passive towards the problem, therefore such attitude has made us powerless to stop it.

Since this world has been created it’s been unequal in every way and there will always be rich and poor, strong and weak living together. While poverty is extreme and widespread, let’s not forget just how many rich and wealthy people there are in the developed world capable of giving. It’s high time we must realize the power that we have in our hands when pooled together. When everyone is giving to an effective charity, the size of our donation would directly correspond to the number of people we are able to help. We don’t have to be a millionaire to make a significant difference. Just as every drop in the ocean counts to form a vast water mass, even small donations have the potential to drastically improve an individual’s quality of life.

 

 

Charity in Islam

As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, charity plays a huge part in everyday life for Muslims around the world. Helping those less fortunate than ourselves by giving up free time is one way, but donating Zakat and ongoing charity (also known as Sadaqah Jariyah) are just some of the many ways that Islamic teachings prioritise charity in the wider world.

Zakat is an obligatory form of charity, based on an individual’s personal wealth, and must be donated to help those who are in need of a helping hand. Zakat is calculated based on what we have that is over and above our own basic needs and ensures that nobody goes without. By definition, Zakat means to purify your wealth in this world by giving to those less fortunate.

By contrast, Sadaqah Jariyah is a form of ongoing voluntary charity that helps recipients build a better future as well as providing them with relief in the present. Instead of simply donating food and water, to give Sadaqah Jariyah provides recipients with the opportunity to create an income for their families on a much longer-term basis. This ongoing charity rewards both donor and recipient not just in this world but also in the Hereafter.

forms of charity

The Importance of Zakat

 

Zakat is an obligation that almost all Muslims must meet, providing they meet specific requirements. Zakat is compulsory as instructed by the Holy Qur’an, and all able Muslim’s undertake this to deepen their connection with Allah (S.W.T) and betterment of themselves.

Charity giving is so important in Islam because there are so many people around the world that are without basic human needs. People are without food, clean water, shelter, clothing and education everywhere we look, whether nearby in our towns and cities or further afield in war-torn countries. By giving to those in need, a good deed is done for both parties, as the donor will also gain contentment from being able to help.

 

The Zakat Facts

To qualify for Zakat, one should be of good health both physically and mentally and meet the Nisab threshold. This is based on cash, gold, silver and other assets. Those eligible typically donate 2.5% of their profitable wealth as Zakat.

 

Sadaqah Jariyah

Sadaqah Jariyah is a voluntary form of ongoing charity that covers all aspects of giving. Whether this is something as small as giving advice or helping someone better themselves for the future, this kind of charity rewards all parties involved in the current day and long after their life has ended. Investing in the Hereafter as much as the things we have now is of great importance to all Muslims.

 

How Sadaqah Can Work for You

There are so many different ways to incorporate ceaseless charity in your life, and the rewards of which are immeasurable. Whether you choose to donate your time and energy or prefer to give monetary contributions towards a worthy cause, it could not be easier to get involved.

 

Education and Skills Development

Teaching the importance of Islam to others and spreading the knowledge you have is a great way to educate those around you. Engaging in discussion, sharing facts and knowledge with the purpose of doing good and spreading the word of Islam, and you shall reap the rewards every single time this knowledge is passed on.

 

Donating Knowledge

Similar to the above, donating religious materials (like the Holy Qur’an or books of Dua), brings huge benefits to both donor and recipient. In addition, any religious items such as prayer mats, hijabs etc. are widely accepted as a form of Sadaqah and the rewards for this are tenfold. Each and every time an item you donate is used; you too will receive reward and benefits.

 

Child Sponsorship

There are far too many children in the world who, along with being deprived of their basic human needs, are being denied an education, too. Without education, they will struggle to better themselves and create a future that they deserve.

By sponsoring a child, you are contributing to not just their education, but their emotional development and tapping into their creativity, inspiring them to want more from this world. By

sponsoring a child, you are helping them develop skills that can change their families lives forever, as well as their surrounding communities.

 

Help in the Community

 

One of the greatest ways to give charity is to get involved in the construction of a Mosque or other significant building, such as a school or hospital. As with any other form of Sadaqah, you will receive just as much benefit from your generosity and the potential for reward is immense. Every prayer recited, every child learning, every sick or injured person treated is rewarded.

 

Giving Life Essentials

Although food and water are often taken for granted, for many people around the world, these life essentials are in short supply. Not only do they provide sustenance and sanitation, but they can completely transform the lives of those in need.

Donating food and clean water is just one way to help, but donating to a cause that gives these communities a means of accessing clean water themselves and nurturing their crops is one of the greatest ways to help ceaselessly. This ongoing charity is hugely beneficial.

Ongoing Charity

Giving to charity is a way of restoring balance to the world, ensuring all communities are afforded the same rights and as instructed by the Holy Qur’an. Moreover, it is doing so discreetly and for the right reasons. Giving to purely receive praise will not be rewarded as this is not a selfless charitable act, but giving to help others and seeking fulfilment from their happiness along with the happiness of Allah (SWT) will only bring great reward in return.

By integrating ongoing charity into our everyday lives, it will soon become the norm. By adopting this way of thinking and accepting Sadaqah Jariyah as a way of life, Allah (SWT) will ensure that our good deeds are rewarded not just today, but in the Hereafter, too.

Charity giving is so rewarding, so why not get involved? Take a look at our ongoing projects such as Child Sponsorship and see the difference you can make.

charity begins at home

Islam orders us to give donations in priority to our close ones or relatives. As they are the most deserving ones to be helped. There are several evidences in Quran and hadith about preferring relatives over others in matter of giving alms because charity begins at home.

 

Hadith on importance of charity

A Sahih Bukhari hadith as narrated by Sad: The Prophet (PBUH) visited me at Makkah while I was ill. I said (to him).

“I have property; May I bequeath all my property in Allah’s Cause?” He said, “No.” I said, “Half of it?”, “No.” than I said, “One third of it?”, “One-third (is alright), yet it is still too much, for you’d better leave your inheritors wealthy than leave them poor, begging of others. Whatever you spend will be considered a Sadaqa for you, even the mouthful of food you put in the mouth of your wife”.

 

Rights of family:

Thus, the Prophet taught us to take care of our family members first as they have rights over our wealth and time.

‘When one of you is poor, he starts with himself. If anything is left, he spends it on his dependents. If anything is (still left) then on his relatives, and then, if more is left, he spends it here and there.’ (Prophet of Allah (SAS) related from Jabir.)qah for the poor is rewarded as one sadaqah, but in the case of a relative it is considered as two: [one reward for] blood tieand [the other reward for] the sadaqah [itself].” [itself].”

 

Importance of charity in SOCIETY

 

The greatest gift to our community would be when we contribute to making lives better; when we touch lives by the dint of donations or charity, spreading light to the neediest and enlighten our souls in the process.

We can’t shut our eyes and breathe a sigh of relief, pretending we are progressing when the official poverty rate is 12.7%, based on NGO’s. That year, an estimated 43.1 million Pakistani’s lived in poverty according to the official measure. According to supplemental poverty measures, the poverty rate was 14.0%. One in three Americans says they have stopped getting medical treatment that they or their family members need because of cost. Although this percentage is in line with the roughly 30% figures seen in recent years. Variation in the pricing for medical treatments; Pakistanis fear a needed treatment is too expensive.

Pakistan” homeless population has risen in 2017, as reported by the Guardian, for the first time since the Great Recession, propelled by the housing crisis afflicting the west coast, according to a new federal study. The study has found that 553,742 people were homeless on a single night this year. It suggests that the poorest Americans are still struggling to meet their most basic needs.

Non-profits, charitable organizations, and NGOs often staffed by volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of abandoned, poor children, adults, orphans, and the homeless in the Pakistan must be funded to reduce human sufferings. They provide children and families with clothing, food, education, shelter, and teachings. Through love, motivation, and opportunities they help people thrive and become self-sufficient, and on the other hand, there are organizations to support the elderly with dignity and assistance. As these organizations have taken up a sacred mission of helping the helpless, it’s now our duty as well to help them to raise funds and support their noble cause.

With the help of donors and the vision of the creators of Transparent Hands, we have made a huge impact in the lives of the people that is visible with transparency to our donors and the people interested in the process of saving lives.

 

 

question

1.    define charity?

2.    discuss the concept of charity?

3.    how can we start charity from our home?

4.    write forms of charity?

5.    what is the importance of charity in Islam?

 

chapter 2 |respect

defintion

Respect for Humanity means staying away from sins that will sow discord among the people and lead to destruction. Respect is one of the main foundations in Islam, there are many branches such as; Respecting Parents, Respecting Teachers, Respecting elders and neighbors and Respecting special needs people!

are you respectful?

Teaching respect is part of character formation. Respect is the ability to recognize and appreciate the rights, beliefs, practices, and differences, as it exist in our society. Often, people use the words, ‘tolerance’ and ‘acceptance’ when they talk about respect. These traits are important but respect means much more. BETTY AMUKPO discusses the definition of respect with some children as she charges them to be respectful.

‘I am respectful by listening’

What is Respect?

Respect is a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities and qualities. Are you respectful? Yes, I am respectful by listening and being present at all times. Acknowledge others and say thank you…Address mistake with kindness… Making decisions based on what’s right not who you like.

Respect for Humanity in Islam?

Respect as a Birth Right

 

We have indeed honoured the Children of Adam, and provided for them means of transportation on land and sea, and given them wholesome food and exalted them high above the greater part of Our creation. (THE QURAN 17: 70)

THE above-mentioned verse shows that man by his very creation deserves regard and respect. This respect is man’s natural birthright, regardless of which community he belongs to.

According to a Hadith: “That person is not one of us who is not merciful to our youngsters and respectful to our elders.” According to another Hadith the Prophet Muhammad said: “One who believes in God and the Last Day must honor his neighbors; one who believes in God and the Last Day must honor his guests.”

There are a number of such commands to the believers in the Quran and the Hadith which lay great stress on showing due respect to the servants of God. For, this is an important area in which we are actually being tested in our faith in God. Our love and devotion for God finds expression in this world in the form of our relations with other human beings. One who is a true believer has an inner urge to love God’s servants.

Our love and devotion for God finds expression in this world in the form of our relations with other human beings. One who is a true believer has an inner urge to love God’s servants.

Respect for mankind is one of the basic teachings of Islam. Everyone whether of one’s own religion or of any other religious tradition, whether belonging to one community or another to a friendly group or a group of strangers, is worthy of respect. According to the teachings of Islam human beings are to be respected despite their differences. Even where antagonism is displayed, we have to adopt the way of avoidance of conflict and continue to show respectful behavior. In the eyes of Islam, all human beings are equal and deserve our respect.

Respect for humanity according to Hadith

Hadith on Humanity: All human beings are children of Adam

Abu Amina EliasAdam آدمArrogance التكبرCreation الخلقHumility التواضعManners الادبParables الأمثالPride الفخرSon of Adam ابن آدمWarning النذر

Hudhayfah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “All of you are the children of Adam and Adam was created from dust, that people might stop boasting of their fathers lest they become more insignificant to Allah than the dung of a beetle.”

Source: Musnad al-Bazzār 2938

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

 

عَنْ حُذَيْفَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كُلُّكُمْ بَنُو آدَمَ وَآدَمُ خُلِقَ مِنْ تُرَابٍ لَيَنْتَهِيَنَّ قَوْمٌ يَفْخَرُونَ بِآبَائِهِمْ أَوْ لَيَكُونَنَّ أَهْوَنَ عَلَى اللَّهِ مِنَ الْجَعْلَانِ

           

2938 البحر الزخار بمسند البزار

4568 المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح في صحيح الجامع

 

question

1.    define respect for humanity?

2.    discuss atleast one Hadith on respect for humanity?

 

chapter 3| help

Humanity means caring for and also helping those in need. Humanity is about forgetting your selfish interest and engaging in activities that will bring good to many people.

Helping other according to Islam

Helping fellow human beings with courtesy and kindness is an essential part of a good moral conduct. All world religions share and support this concept. The Holy Qur’an details the teachings of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and all succeeding prophets from his son, Prophet Ishaque (AS)’s progeny. Their covenant is mentioned in Aayah 83-84 of Surah Al-Baqarah in these words:

“Remember when We took a pledge from the Children of Israel: ‘Worship none but one Allah; be good to your parents and kinsfolk, to orphans and the poor; speak good words to all people; keep good words to all people; keep up the prayer and pay the prescribed alms. Then all but a few of you turned away and paid no heed.”

The Holy Qur’an emphasizes two essential principles to live by after charting the course of life according to fundamental Islamic beliefs. First is to have strong relationship with Allah (SWT), and fulfilling those rights which He has upon us. We are required to have firm belief in the monotheistic doctrine and submitting and worshipping Allah (SWT) alone. The second principle is to be good, kind, and helpful to fellow human beings. This entails fulfilling obligations and duties we owe to our parents, relatives, neighbors, orphans, widows, poor, sick and the needy. Aayah 36 of Surah Nisa’ briefly identifies those who deserve help:

“Worship Allah; join nothing with Him. Be good to your parents, to relatives, to orphans, to the needy, to neighbors near and far, to travelers in need, and to our slaves.”

 

As narrated by Abu Hureyrah (RA), Prophet (SAW) said:“Verily, Allah the Exalted and Glorious will say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘O son of Adam, I was indisposed(sick)  but you did not visit Me.’ He would say: ‘O my Lord, how could I visit You as You are the Lord of the world?’ Thereupon Allah would say: ‘Did you not know that such and such slave of Mine was ill but you did not visit him? Did you not realize that if you had visited him, you would have found [its reward] with Me? O son of Adam, I asked food from you but you did not feed Me.’ He would submit: ‘My Lord, how could I feed You as You are the Lord of the worlds?’ Allah would say: ‘Did you not know that such and such a slave of Mine asked you for food but you did not feed him? Did you not realize that if you had fed him, you would have found [its reward] with Me? O son of Adam, I asked for water from you but you did not give it to Me.’ He would say: ‘My Lord, how could I give you (water) as You are the Lord of worlds.’ There upon Allah (SWT) would say: ‘Such and such a slave of Mine asked you for water to drink but you did not give it to him. Did you not realize that if you had given him the drink you would have found (its reward) with Me.” [Muslim]

The mission of Islamic life is to be of service and a source of comfort, and not a cause of hardship or discomfort to others. All human beings are not alike; some are well to do while others are under-privileged. Islam demands from the former to serve the latter and provide them what they need for survival. The blessings we enjoy day and night are given by Allah (SWT), and we did not earn, nor did any thing special to deserve them. It is Allah’s mercy for which we should be thankful and the best way to thank Him is to let the “have-nots” share those blessings with those of us who have. No one can claim that he deserves what Allah (SWT) has given him, unless he is an arrogant ungrateful rebel and mentally blind. The man should first look at himself and the miraculous body which he has been given. Each part performs its functions precisely and tirelessly - the eyes, ears, heart, brain, hands and legs to mention a few. Imagine life without them. Then he should look beyond to the world around him which has been made to serve him. And if he does not feel the need to serve and lack the will to help others, he than is a thankless person who does not recognize his Creator. Qur’an warns on such insensitivity, and exhorts Muslims to serve mankind. Aayahs 8-20 of Surah Al-Balad says:

“Did we not give him eyes, a tongue, lips, and point out to him the two clear ways [of good and evil]? Yet he has not attempted the steep path. What will explain to you what the steep path is? It is to free a slave, to feed at a time of hunger an orphaned relative or a poor person in distress, and to be one of those who believe and urge on another to steadfastness and compassion. Those who do this will be on the right-hand side, but those who disbelieve in Our revelations will be on the left-hand side, and the Fire will close in on them.”

Serving and helping others is serving Allah in the sight of Islam. If someone stretches his hand out to you to seek help, and if it returns empty, you than have refused to help Allah. To please Allah is through pleasing His bondsmen. The One in heaven becomes kind to you if you are kind to those who inhabit the earth.

Islam teaches us to open our hearts and minds to help the needy and the destitute without any distinction of color, creed, race or religion. One has to rise above these biases and prejudices. Humanity is just one and one family. We are from one father and one mother. Abdullah bin Masood (RA) relates that Prophet (SAW) said: “The entire humanity is Allah’s family, and Allah loves him most from among this family, who benefits the family most. [Mishkawt]

Jarir bin Abdullah (RA) reported that Allah’s Messenger said: “He who is not merciful to people Allah will not be merciful to him.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

Kind treatment to Allah’s creatures is very much liked by Allah. Even animals and birds are included in this category. Kind treatment with them makes a person eligible to the Mercy of Allah. Decent behavior with people has been specifically mentioned in this tradition although all creatures are covered by it.

Abu Hurairah (RA) says that once Prophet (SAW) approached a group of people sitting around and asked: “Should I tell you as to who is good from among you and who is bad?” He (SAW) repeated the question three times. A companion submitted: “Please advise us Ya Rasul Allah.” He (SAW) said: “The best from among you is the one from whom you expect the good and people are safe from his mischief. And the worst from among you is the one from whom you don’t expect any good and people are not safe from his mischief.” [Tirmidhi]

These traditions highlight that service is the mission of a Muslim without any distinction or discrimination and such a service guarantees Allah’s reward and pleasure. Islam exhorts its followers to be self-motivated to do acts of virtue and goodness not only for the Muslims but to the entire human society. Islam motivates Muslims to extend material and moral support to all those who need it.

According to a tradition Muslims are urged “to speak sweetly” [Muslim].

According to another tradition, they are exhorted to rush to help the one who seeks help and guide him who is lost on his way. [Abu Dawood].

One should go beyond verbal sympathy to help those who experience financial difficulties. Islam wants us spend money on the well-being of others. In fact, that part of wealth is real saving which is spent to free others from the yoke of debt and economic hardships. It is in this context that Islam has mandated Zakah (poors’ due), which constitutes one of the five pillars of Islam and has been mentioned along with Salah (prayers) in many places in the Holy Qur’an. Aayah 5 of Surah Al-Bayyina says:

“…thoug- h all they are ordered to do is worship Allah alone, sincerely devoting their religion to Him as people of true faith, keep up the prayer, and pay the prescribed alms, for that is the true religion.”

In the light of this Aayah, service to humanity is considered as worship. Attribute of Allah conscious people has been mentioned as such in Aayah 19 of Surah Al-Thariyaat.

“…giving a rightful share of their wealth to the beggar and the deprived.”

Prophet (SAW) as reported by Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (RA) said: “Giving charity is an obligation upon every Muslim.”

At another occasion, Prophet (SAW) said: “Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting you brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face.” [Muslim]

People may have long term needs as well as short term needs. There are always opportunities to help if someone is looking for either of them. There are people all the time in all societies who cannot afford one meal a day not to speak the luxury of 3 meals per day which most of enjoy. To feed a hungry person is a small act, but if everyone can feed one person, no one will go hungry. The Holy Qur’an mentions the attribute of virtuous people in Aayah 8-9 in Surah Ad-Dahr:

“…they give food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, though they love it themselves, saying, ‘We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: We seek neither recompense nor thanks from you.”

Abdullah bin Salaam (RA) prior to embracing Islam was Christian. He said that I went to see Prophet (SAW) when he immigrated to Madinah. The moment I saw his blessed face, I immediately knew that it cannot be the face of a liar. The first thing that Prophet (SAW) said was:

“O people, exchange greetings of peace (i.e. say: As-Salamu Alaikum to one another), feed people, strengthen the ties of kinship, and be in prayer when others are asleep, you will enter Paradise in peace. [Tirmidhi]

To feed the indigent, meek and poor was the favorite act of Prophet (SAW)’s companions. Abdullah bin Umar (RA) did not eat unless there was person to share food with him. [Bukhari]

There is a great lesson for us in this story:

“Once a man came to Prophet (SAW) and said: “I am hard pressed by hunger.” Prophet found that he had nothing to feed him, so he (SAW) said to his companions: “Who will entertain this (man) as a guest?” One of the Ansars said: “Ya Rasul Allah I will.” So he took him home and asked his wife: “Have you got anything?” She answered: “Nothing, except a little food for the children.” He said: “Keep the children busy with something and when they ask for food put them to sleep. When the guest enters, extinguish the light and give him the impression that we are also eating.” So, they sat down and the guest ate and they passed the night hungry. When he came to the Prophet (SAW) in the morning, he said to him, “Allah admired what you with your guest last night.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

The basic human need after food is dress and to provide dress to the one who does not have it guarantees a reward. Among long term needs is to provide shelter, raise and educate an orphan, provide provisions to the widows. Prophet (SAW) joining his two fingers said: “The one who looks after the needs of an orphan will be with me like this [two fingers joined together] in Paradise.”

Prophet (SAW) equated those who look after the needs of widows and the meek women with those who pray the whole night.

These are just a few examples to show the importance which Islam gives to serving, helping and assisting others morally and materially in their hour of need. May Allah enable us to be kind, compassionate, and helpful and perceptive in meeting the needs of fellow human beings and serve Allah’s family selflessly to win His pleasure. Aamin!

by Shaykh Ahmed Abdul Mujeeb Qasmi Nadvi (translated by Muhammad Owais Jafrey)

 

 

question

1.    what is help for humanity? explain it with the reference of Hadith?

                               

 

chapter 4| compassion

Compassion motivates people to go out of their way to relieve the physical, mental or emotional pains of others and themselves. Compassion is often regarded as being sensitive to the emotional aspects of the suffering of others. When based on notions such as fairness, justice and interdependence, it may be considered rational in nature.

The word "compassion" comes from Middle English, and derives from Old French, via ecclesiastical Latin COMPASSIO (n-), from compati (‘suffer with’).

Compassion involves "feeling for another" and is a precursor to empathy, the "feeling as another" capacity (as opposed to sympathy, the "feeling towards another"). In common parlance, active compassion is the desire to alleviate another's suffering.

Compassion involves allowing ourselves to be moved by suffering, and experiencing the motivation to help alleviate and prevent it. An act of compassion is defined by its helpfulness. Qualities of compassion are patience and wisdom; kindness and perseverance; warmth and resolve. It is often, though not inevitably, the key component in what manifests in the social context as altruism. Expression of compassion is prone to be hierarchical, paternalistic, and controlling in responses. The difference between sympathy and compassion is that the former responds to others' suffering with sorrow and concern whereas the latter responds with warmth and care.[3] An article by the Clinical Psychology Review suggests that "compassion consists of three facets: noticing, feeling, and responding.

            Concept of compassion according to Hadith

In the Muslim tradition, foremost among God's attributes are mercy and compassion or, in the canonical language of Arabic, Rahman and Rahim. Each of the 114 chapters of the Quran, with one exception, begins with the verse, "In the name of Allah the Compassionate, the Merciful."[65]

Certainly, a Messenger has come to you from among yourselves; grievous to him is your falling into distress, excessively solicitous respecting you; to the believers (he is) compassionate.

— Qur'an 9:128[66]

The Arabic word for compassion is rahmah. As a cultural influence, its roots abound in the Quran. A good Muslim is to commence each day, each prayer, and each significant action by invoking Allah the Merciful and Compassionate, i.e., by reciting Bism-i-llah a-Rahman-i-Rahim. The womb and family ties are characterized by compassion and named after the exalted attribute of Allah "Al-Rahim" (The Compassionate)

 

            Compassion a doctrinal exposition

In the Qur’an, one cannot but to notice the abundance of Arabic idioms to denote rahmah. This term “is used to denote the type of tenderness which stimulates in one the urge to show kindness to others.” It covers “the qualities of love, compassion, benevolence and generosity.” [1] One of the chapters in the Qur’an is called al-Rahman, meaning Most Compassionate. This term is significantly a divine attribute of God. It is an attribute that finds itself mentioned no further than the second verse of the first chapter of the Qur’an. (Q.1:2) Various exegetes have shown that this verse’s relation to the proceeding verses indicates that God’s mercy and compassion encompasses all aspects of His creations. Indeed, His mercy encompasses all things. (Q.7:156) Incidentally, Muslims are encouraged to recite “In the Name of God, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful” before they begin an act. The point to note here is that this recitation is not just a mere invocation by the Muslims. This recitation is supposed to be a reminder for them to embody the divine values of mercy and compassion within themselves and in every conduct of theirs. In an important verse in the Qur’an, God says that He had inscribed upon Himself the law of mercy. (Q.6:12) In another verse, God tells man not to despair of His mercy. (Q.39:53) Thus, there is no doubt that God, as portrayed in the Qur’an, is essentially a benevolent God. As one scholar puts it:

“The mercy of the Almighty is one of the grandest themes of the Koran. The very name [al-Rahman] with which each chapter opens, and with which He is invoked, expresses a deep, all-penetrating conviction of that love, that divine mercy which enfolds creation.”[2]

 

Compassion as an extension of other ethical imperatives

The presence of compassion can also be discerned from its various extensions in ethics. The basis of imperatives such as to be kind, just and tolerant, is always compassion. There are various Hadith [recorded traditions of Prophet Muhammad] to indicate this. One oft-quoted saying of Muhammad is:

“Be merciful to the inhabitants of the earth and He who is in Heaven will be merciful to you.”

 

In another similar saying, Muhammad said:

“One who is not compassionate, God will not be compassionate to him.”

 

The references in Islamic sources to argue for a tolerant, just and merciful conduct in all affairs of Muslim life are too numerous for me to elaborate here.

It is important to note also that compassion is an ethical imperative that extends itself to all humanity, even the natural world. In one narration, one of the Companions of Muhammad, Abu Musa al-Ash’ari told him that “You remind us so frequently concerning compassion (rahmah) even though we actually think that we are compassionate toward one another.” To this, Muhammad replied: “But I mean compassion to all”, meaning here, to humanity at large, including to animals and all of God’s creations.

Compassion as the basis for social emancipation

In addition, Muhammad, as many scholars pointed out, was not just a prophet; he was also a social reformer. The reforms that he brought to 7th century Arabia were especially targeted to alleviate the suffering and oppression faced by the poor and the weak.[4] In fact, some scholars had argued that Islam came to primarily address the human condition. If this is true, then compassion is the basis for this genuine concern for man’s conditions. In other words, a compassionate person will be moved when he sees the extent of suffering and evil that his fellow men had wrought upon themselves and their surroundings. In the words of Sa’di, a Persian Sufi poet:

“All Adam’s sons are limbs of one another.

Each of the selfsame substance as his brother,

So, while one member suffers ache and grief,

The other members cannot win relief.

You who are heedless of thy brother’s pain,

It is not right at all to name thee Man.”[5]

 

question

1.    define COMPASSION?

2.    compassion according to islam?

 

conclusion

“Charity, Respect, Help and compassion is for those in need.” This is general principle which enjoins us to help people in need, be they good or bad, on the right path or not, Muslims or non-Muslims. No one should judge in these matters. The foremost ends in charity should be God’s pleasure and our own spiritual good. The concept of c Charity, Respect, Help and compassion in Islam is thus linked with justice. It is not limited to the redressed of grievances. It implies apart from the removal of handicaps, the recognition of the right that every human being has to attain the fullness of life.