We are told that there is a cost-of-living crisis that we are living through and many of us will indeed be feeling the pinch. In reality, for most of us, it is the absolute luxuries that we will probably cut down on. And for many others, there really will be no real suffering involved at all.
“If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them. Indeed, humankind is truly unfair, totally ungrateful.” [1]
It’s easy to start forgetting our blessings at a time like this, which is why it’s important to remind ourselves of the ḥādīth of the Prophet (ﷺ) reported by Abu Hurayrah (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu):
“Look at those below you (in blessings) and do not look at those above you, for it is the best way not to belittle the favours of Allah.” [2]
The truth is that if we have access to the Internet and are reading this article, we most probably remain in the top percentage of wealthy people in terms of global wealth, such that people around the world who are suffering from poverty would consider us to be living lives of luxury.
There is always someone who has less than us and there are plenty of people around the world whom we could still help and share our wealth with.
Take Pakistan for instance. The country is suffering right now as the heavy monsoon rains of last year caused some of the worst flooding the country has seen in the last twelve years. Millions of people have been cut off and are relying on help to survive.
At least 1,300 people have died since mid-June, including 343 children, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), with large swaths of the south-western province of Balochistan remaining submerged, bringing back memories of the devastating 2010 floods.
Balochistan is known for its very cold winters and warm summers. And now that the winter has hit, they need our help more than ever.
In Yemen, millions of our brothers and sisters have been displaced; in Gaza, the living conditions are dire; and in Afghanistan, people have been through difficulty after difficulty for many decades of war and sanctions.
Millions of people around the world are fighting for survival with children losing their lives in sub-zero temperatures because they have inadequate supplies to keep warm.
Those in need require hot meals, emergency aid packs, hygiene kits, and medical aid packs.
Alḥamdulillāh, we never have to really think about the fact that we have central heating, hot water out of our taps, hot meals, and warm beds.
So what can we do to help and why should we help?
- Of course, we can and should make du’ā for our brothers and sisters around the world;
- We should also use the resources that Allah blessed us with and entrusted us with;
- We should help those who are on the ground in these countries in order to provide much-needed relief.
The Prophet (ﷺ) informed us:
“Whoever helps ease one in difficulty, Allah will make it easy for him in this world and the Hereafter.” [3]
So when we help others for Allah’s sake and ease a burden for them, not only do we have the satisfaction of having helped our brother or sister in Islam, but Allah sees that act and removes the hardship that we may be facing in this life and in the next, too! What a great return on investment!
On top of this, giving is a means to avert calamities and great losses in our own lives.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” [4]
One Ummah is on the ground
The good news is that One Ummah Charity is on the ground in these very places and has been providing relief to those in need with the very things they need most.
It also has a 100 per cent donation policy which means that every penny you give will go to the beneficiaries’ direct needs. This is because One Ummah has a separately funded admin department.
One Ummah is providing winter packs in fifteen crisis-hit countries – including the likes of Syria, Yemen, Palestine, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and many other countries in need. These packs can include a hat, gloves, scarf, blanket, coat, and heater to save precious lives.
Donate now
For only £100, up to five people will receive a life-saving winter pack. Let’s help them save lives by donating now.
When we do so, we not only help save lives and bring relief; we also show Allah, our Creator and Sustainer, that we are grateful for what He has provided us with, and care about our brothers and sisters around the world.
With His permission, we avert calamities and problems in our own lives and we ensure that through helping our brother or sister with the difficulties of this world, Allah will make things easy for us in the next.
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] al-Qur’ān | 14:34
[2] al-Bukhari & Muslim
[3] Sahīh Muslim
[4] al-Tirmidhi
