The International Day of Care and Support in Light of Islamic Teachings

October 29, 2024

On the International Day of Care and Support observed on October 29th, we are reminded of our profound moral and religious duty to care for and support one another, especially in times of hardship. In Islamic teachings, extending kindness, protection, and assistance to those in need is not only a humanitarian obligation but also a divine commandment deeply rooted in the Quran and the traditions of the Ahl al-Bayt (p).

In our contemporary world, as we witness the tragic circumstances of war, displacement, and suffering in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan, Afghanistan, and beyond, these teachings call on us to take action. The plight of refugees, the war-torn, and especially the unique struggles faced by women, children, the elderly, the wounded, and those with disabilities, compels us to act with both urgency and compassion. In the Holy Quran, God says, “And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive ”(Surah Al-Insan, 76:8). This verse emphasizes the importance of selfless care for the vulnerable, even when we ourselves may be in difficulty. Our duty to help extends beyond personal ease, making it a core tenet of our faith. The Quran also states, “Indeed, God loves the doers of good” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:195 & Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:13). 

The message of these verses is to serve one another so that God may love you.

The Quran considers helping those in need a duty for all, not just the wealthy. It says, “Let a man of wealth spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted let him spend from what God has given him. God does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity. God will bring about, after hardship, ease” (Surah At-Talaq, 65:7).

What often holds many of us back from giving a portion of our wealth and resources to those in need is the fear of future poverty due to financial loss. However, Islamic teachings remind us that this fear is unfounded.

For example, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) said,

“No wealth is ever diminished by charity, so give and do not be cowardly” (Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 93, P. 131, Hadith 161). This hadith reminds us that charity does not reduce wealth but brings blessings and increases. It is narrated that Imam Ali (p) said, “Blessed is the one who does good to people and prepares for the Hereafter” (Amodi, Gharar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith 5955). This hadith emphasizes that doing good to others is not only a moral obligation but also a path to eternal happiness in the Hereafter. In Islamic teachings, acts of kindness and service to humanity are seen as investments for one’s soul, ensuring divine rewards in the afterlife. By helping others and alleviating their burdens, we not only contribute to a more just and compassionate world but also secure our spiritual prosperity.

From the perspective of the Ahl al-Bayt (p), there are no limits to doing good and serving others in society. A true believer always strives to alleviate the suffering of others and offer service to them, even if they do not share the same faith.

Imam Husayn (p) says, “Know that the needs of people that they bring to you are among the blessings of God upon you. So do not tire of these blessings [i.e., do not neglect or mistreat those in need], lest they be transferred to someone else” (Nuri, Mustadrak al-Wasa’il, Vol. 12, P. 369, Hadith 14322).

It is through our commitment to aiding those in distress that we live out the principles of Islam, reflecting the mercy and justice taught by the Quran and exemplified by the Ahl al-Bayt. On this International Day of Care and Support, let us pledge to take concrete steps in extending support to refugees, the war-stricken, and the marginalized, ensuring that no one is left behind in their time of need.

May we, as followers of Ahl al-Bayt, continue to uphold the teachings of Islam by offering our hearts and hands to those suffering around the world.