“And in their wealth is a recognized right. For the (needy) who asks and the one who is deprived.” (70:24,25)
In the ideal form of the society, all resources should be divided equally for everyone in the society so that there are no rich and poor. But, sadly, the fact is nothing close to those. The distribution of wealth and money is not equal. So that there are many needy person in our surrounding. If we happen to be luckier than them, we have to fulfill the rights of needy. It could also be considered as a good deed.
Along with the poor, the needy is one that should be given attention by society. The needy is often powerless, abused, and their rights are violated. As a religion, Islam encouraged all Muslims to be kind to the needy and treat them equally. To fulfill their need is our obligation as good Muslim and a good person.
In fact, there are several rights of the needy in Islam that must be fulfilled. Here are some of those:
- Right to Defend Himself from Wrongdoers
The needy is often being mistreated and experienced many injustice events. While justice is equal for everyone, the needy have right to defend themselves from the wrongdoers and getting the right treatment. See also Rights of Maternal Grandparents in Islam
“But as to those who choose to defend themselves, after having been wronged, there is no cause whatever for blame against them. Rather, the rightful cause [for blame] shall be against those who wrong people and who commit injustice in the land without any right. These shall have a most painful torment in the Hereafter.” (42:41-42).
- Right to Fight for His Financial Struggle
It is nothing new that the poor and the needy are struggling financially. Due to their powerlessness, they often misused and exploited at work. In many cases, many employers are not getting their wages regularly and right on time. And they have right to fight for it until their right is fulfilled.
- Right for the Basic Needs to be Fulfilled
The rich people in the society have a moral responsibility to fulfill the basic need of the needy. If the rich neglected this duty of theirs and not sharing his fortune with the needy, Allah SWT takes this into account and they will be punished in the Day of Judgement. See also Rights of Servants in Islam
“Never have I seen [the aggregation] of vast wealth, save that I have observed a usurped right [of others] along with it.” (Ali ibn Abi Thalib)
- Right to be Equally Treated
Human can only be judged by his taqwa
“O humankind! Indeed, We have created all of you from a single male and female. Moreover, We have made you peoples and tribes, so that you may come to know one another. And, indeed, the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the most God-fearing of you. Indeed, Allah is all-knowing, all-aware.” (49:13).
[AdSense-B]
- Right to Become a Leader
The best leader in Islam is those who following the sunnah and syariah, not define by wealth or anything else. Which means the poor also have right to become a leader. See also Rights of Minorities in Islam
“Yet We intended to confer favor on those oppressed in the land and to make them exemplary leaders in faith; and to make them inheritors of Our commandments.” (28:5)
- Right to Reject Unfair Leadership
As a part of the society, the needy have right to oppose the unfair leader who mistreat them. But the needy requires a lot of support so that their voice will be heard.
“Thus when We intend to destroy a town for evildoing, We first command its affluent elite to become righteous. Yet should they continue to commit flagrant deeds of ungodliness therein, then the divine word of doom comes to pass against it. Then do We demolish it utterly.” (17:16)
- Right to be Helped by the Rich
Rich people shouldn’t be so full of themselves. In their wealth, there are part of needy that they must be giving away. Thus, the needy have the right to be helped by the rich. It becomes a huge sin for the rich if they refuse to do so. See also Rights of Inheritance in Islam for Women
“And in their wealth is a recognized right. For the (needy) who asks and the one who is deprived.” (70:24,25)
[AdSense-C]
Ways to Help the Needy
It is clear from the explanation above that we should treat the needy with kindness and justice. And as an obedient Muslim, we can follow the sunnah by doing good deeds to help the needy. Here are some ways to help the needy in everyday life.
- Join the Volunteering Community
To help the needy we can volunteer our time and doing good deeds. It’s the best way to help the needy. We can establish a volunteering community that focus on helping the needy such as arranging a health camp, providing them with free medical check up and doctors. See also Rights Of Parents in Islam
- Fund Raising for the Needy
There are many organization who strive their focus in helping the needy by raising funds for them. Engage yourself in such activity, join as an active member so you can make a donation too.
- Raising Awareness
In the internet era, make use of the social media by raising awareness by connecting to various charity organization to help the needy people.
- Provide Counseling for Them
When they are in a poor condition, all they need is moral support. Be there to provide them with the support they need.
- Educating Them
Share your knowledge with the needy, especially the children since they may unable to afford formal education.