Relieving People In Distress

Have you ever wondered about the characteristics of a person whom Allah loves? There are dozens of qualities that are beloved to Allah, but there are a few things that should underpin EVERY Muslim if he wants to earn Allah’s pleasure. These qualities include taqwa, obedience to Allah, kindness to others and an excellent character.

With regards to character, the Prophet SAW said:

“The most beloved of people according to Allah is he who brings most benefit, and the most beloved of deeds according to Allah the Mighty, the Magnificent, is that you bring happiness to a fellow Muslim, or relieve him of distress, or pay off his debt or stave away hunger from him. It is more beloved to me that I walk with my brother Muslim in his time of need than I stay secluded in the mosque for a month. Whoever holds back his anger, Allah will cover his faults and whoever suppresses his fury while being able to execute it, Allah will fill his heart with satisfaction on the Day of Standing. Whoever walks with his brother Muslim in need until he establishes that for him, Allah will establish his feet firmly on the day when all feet shall slip. Indeed, bad character ruins deeds just as vinegar ruins honey.” (Tabarani, Hasan)

Those who have a good character and are righteous will always want the good of others and in doing so, will do what they can to help their fellow brothers and sisters out of distress.

‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allah SAW said:

“The Muslim is the brother of his fellow-Muslim; he should not mistreat him or let him down. Whoever meets the needs of his brother, Allah will meet his needs, and whoever relieves a Muslim of some distress, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim, Allah will conceal him (his faults) in this world and the next.” [Bukhari]

Again, the focus is on helping your brothers and sisters in Islam out of distress, so that Allah SWT will relieve YOU of distress. This is a beautifu hadith and there are many like this that speak of the virtues of helping others.

May Allah SWT make us from among His rightly guided slaves who will be relieved of distress in the hereafter ameen!