Intro | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26
Muslims have been directed towards displaying mercy and generosity towards one another with the aim of establishing a unified brotherhood. Amongst the many ways the Prophet (ﷺ) practically encouraged this, was through lending money to a needy person, in hope of alleviating his financial strain and attaining an abundant reward.
The memorable good deed
The Prophet (ﷺ), whilst singling out the virtues of lending money to those in need, said,
تَلَقَّتْ الْمَلَائِكَةُ رُوحَ رَجُلٍ مِمَّنْ كَانَ قَبْلَكُمْ فَقَالُوا أَعَمِلْتَ مِنْ الْخَيْرِ شَيْئًا قَالَ لَا قَالُوا تَذَكَّرْ قَالَ كُنْتُ أُدَايِنُ النَّاسَ فَآمُرُ فِتْيَانِي أَنْ يُنْظِرُوا الْمُعْسِرَ وَيَتَجَوَّزُوا عَنْ الْمُوسِرِ قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ تَجَوَّزُوا عَنْهُ
“The angels received the soul of a man who lived before you. They asked, ‘Have you done anything good?’ The man said, ‘No.’ They said, ‘Try to remember.’ The man said, ‘I used to give loans and I would order my servants to give respite to those in difficulty, and to overlook the faults of those in ease.’ Allah Almighty said, ‘Overlook his faults.’” [1]
In addition to this report illustrating the virtue of lending money and the vast reward accompanied with it, it also conveys other opportunities to do acts of goodness which fundamentally stem from lending money to those in need.
Considering the above, wouldn’t you want to find your selfless lending of money on your scale of good deeds, being multiplied on the Day of Judgment?
Don’t you long to be of those whose wholehearted sacrifices are acknowledged by the angels? As the month of Ramadan passes by, utilise this enormously rewarding time to be in the financial assistance of the needy!
Action plan
- In light of the cost of living having skyrocketed, we all know of somebody who is going through some financial strain – reach out to them and offer your support;
- If somebody asks you to lend them money, take the aforementioned rewards and virtues into consideration and seize the opportunity!
Coming up
While we eagerly search for those who are in need of financial aid, let’s take some time out to contemplate the upcoming article: offering a job.
- Do you have any friends or family members who are struggling to find a stable job, due to unforeseen circumstances?
- Have you considered trying to play a more active role in helping them?
If so, keep an eye out for Part 12, as we discuss the virtues of such an action.
Intro | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14
15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26
Source: Islam21c
Notes
[1] al-Bukhāri & Muslim
