God says:
And (the God-conscious would assign) in all that they possessed a due share unto such as might ask (for help) and such as might suffer privation* Q.51: 19
* ”but they could not beg” – and this applies to all living creatures, whether human beings or mute animals (Razi), irrespective of whether the need is of physical or an emotional nature.
(The truly virtuous are they) who give food *-- however great be their own want of it -- unto the needy, and the orphan, and the captive** -- Q76: 7,8
*It is to be noted that in this context the concept of “giving food” comprises every kind of help and care, both material and moral.
**The Arabic term asir denotes anyone who is “captive” either literally (e.g. a prisoner) or figuratively, i.e., a captive of circumstances which render him helpless. The injunction of kindness towards all those who need help -- and therefore “captive in one sense or another -- applies to believers and non-believers alike (Tabari, zarmakhshri), and apparently also to animals dependent on man.
And him that seeks (thy) help shalt thou never chide,* -- Q.93: 10
*The term sa’il denotes, literally, “one who seeks”, which signifies not only “beggar” but anyone who asks for help in a difficult situation, whether physical or moral, or even for enlightenment
Prophet said:
1. “One who strives for the widows and the poor is like one who fights in the way of God. I shall regard him as one who stands up (for prayer) without rest and as one who fasts without break.”-- H: Bukhari and Muslim. N: Abu Hurairah.
Home for widows, for elders and infirm; orphanages, medical clinics; schools, and institutions of technical as well as professional education etc., for the unprivileged are the kind of projects the affluent could pay attention to on a collective basis.
2. “O Ayesha! Don’t turn away the poor (without giving) even though it is a piece of date. O Ayesha! Love the poor and let them come to you. For indeed, God will take you near Him on the Resurrection Day.”-- H: Tirmizi. N: Anas.
3. “Whoever wants that God should save him from the calamities of the Resurrection Day, should grant time to a debtor or grant remission” – H: Muslim. N: Abu Qatadah.
4. “God said: spend (in charity), O son of Adam! And I shall spend on you”-- H: Qudsi: Bukhari and Muslim. N: Abu Hurairah.
5. “The best charity is to satisfy a hungry belly” – H: Baihaqi. N: Anas.
