One who manages the affairs of the widow and the poor man is like the one who exerts himself in the way of Allah, or the one who stands for prayer in the night or fasts in the day
Markscheme Answers:
Attending to the needs of the vulnerable in society is the focus of this Hadith. Great emphasis is laid on the welfare of the community in Islam and this Hadith encourages the believers to fulfill the needs of all those individuals who would struggle without help. Widows and orphans are specifically mentioned, but the broader meaning of the Hadith can be seen to include all the vulnerable people in society, helping whom is comparable to be engaged in worshipping God.
The teaching of this Hadith highlights the importance of caring for the vulnerable in society by comparing it to ibadah. Islam gives a lot of stress to looking after the needs of others in society and in this Hadith the Prophet (pbuh) has told Muslims that the rewards of caring for the vulnerable are comparable to fighting jihad in the way of God. Muslims must therefore always be conscious of the needs of others and be willing to help those who need it.
Caring for and fulfilling the needs of the less fortunate in society is compared to ibadah in this hadith and the reward for doing this are comparable to performing jihad in the way of God. Muslims are urged to look after the needs of others and be a source of benefit to them and this is what the hadith is teaching.
To attend to the needs of the poor and the vulnerable in society is the main teaching of this Hadith. Islam is a social religion and lays great stress on the welfare of the community at large. So much so that caring for the needs of others is compared to ibada and has also been placed on a par with fighting in the way of God by the Prophet in this Hadith.
Rights of people are stressed upon in this Hadith and the primary teaching given is that believers should fulfil the needs of the vulnerable in society. The example of widows and poor has been given specifically but the teaching can be seen to refer to all those who may struggle without help. Helping others has been compared to worship in this Hadith emphasising that huquq al ‘ibad (rights of the people) are just as important as fulfilling huquq al-Allah (the rights of God).
A Muslim who is always trying to help the poor & widow in their necessities is exerting himself in the way of Allah. “The best among you is the one who is a source of benefit for others.” A Muslim when spends his money and time in helping the poor, needy and widows, has the same position of fighting in the way of Allah or praying the whole night by standing in worshipping Allah . It is also equal to fasting a day. It is said, “Treat kindly the dwellers on earth. He, who dwells in the Heavens will treat you kindly.” To help others is equal to the worship of a whole night or fasting the whole day.
Jabir reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The believer is friendly and befriended, for there is no goodness in one who is neither friendly, nor befriended. The best of people are those who are most beneficial to people.” [Source: al-Mu’jam al-Awsaṭ 5937]
"The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind." [Daraqutni, Hasan]
<aside> 💡 Rights of people are stressed upon in this Hadith and the primary teaching given is that believers should fulfil the needs of the vulnerable in society. Islam is a social religion and lays great stress on the welfare of the community at large. The Prophet (saw) said "The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind." [Daraqutni]. Widows and orphans are specifically mentioned, but the broader meaning of the Hadith can be seen to include all the vulnerable people in society, helping whom is comparable to be engaged in performing jihad in the way of God.
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Markscheme Answers:
The teachings of the Hadith can be put into practice by providing resources to the poor, by helping to establish social housing for the homeless, providing healthcare to those who do not have access to it, supporting widows and orphans so that no one is left behind and all get a fair chance in society. Examples from the life of the Prophet (pbuh) and his Companions could be given to develop the answer of how to practice this Hadith.
Providing resources for the poor, supporting a widow, giving guidance to orphans are all meritorious deeds that are comparable to fighting jihad in the way of God. Muslims must always be ready to help other fellow beings at all levels and however they can. Examples will help reach a higher level of response.
This hadith can be practiced by Muslims by supporting charities, doing voluntary works etc. Examples from the Prophets (pbuh) life or modern times could be given to support the answer.
This Hadith can be put into practice by providing resources for the poor, looking after the vulnerable, especially widows, and fulfilling their needs. Candidates can substantiate their answer by giving examples. Helping others in need is what has to be reflected in this answer
Islam is a religion of welfare of others. A Muslim should help others with his wealth and physical actions. It is stressed in Islam that the well to do Muslims should help the needy orphans, widows and poor to create a balance in the society. We get a great example from Holy Prophet(s) life as he looked after the non-muslim widow by providing food, medicines, cleaning her house. Holy Prophet looked after the widow who used to throw garbage at him. He served her by providing medicines and food.
<aside> 💡 Islam is a religion of social welfare. The teachings of the Hadith can be put into practice by providing resources to the poor, by helping to establish social housing for the homeless, providing healthcare to those who do not have access to it, supporting widows and orphans so that no one is left behind and all get a fair chance in society.
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