Altruism in Islam

Altruism in Islam
(The perfect altruism of the earliest Muslim society, a unique example for later generations)

Source: By Ben Adam (IslamReligion.com) - Published on 13 Nov 2006 - Last modified on 11 Dec 2006

Altruism, selfless acts done for another’s benefit in spite of oneself, is a humanitarian endeavor praised by all societies. Practically every nation on earth has stories of great kings, brave warriors and noble men and women who sacrificed their material possessions, status or even themselves for some or other common good.

Yet, it is without any reservation or hesitation whatsoever that we can point to the religion of Islam for the most perfect, sincere and comprehensive expression of altruism (eethaar in Islamic terminology). The Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him, said in a narration, known to perhaps every devout Muslim:

"None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

And with that, altruism instantly becomes a condition of true faith in God, Most High. This act of faith was demonstrated so many times throughout the history of Islam, from Muhammad’s commission as a prophet up until our present times, that to recall even a fraction of the authentic narrations that have reached us would barely touch the surface. However, for the purpose of this discussion, we will do just that.

During the great battle of Yarmuk between the fledgling Islamic state and the Roman Empire, a Companion of the Prophet, Ikrimah b. Abu Jahl, and two other noble warriors were mortally wounded. An able Muslim who was attending to the wounded offered one of the injured warriors some water, but the selfless soldier refused, insisting that one of the other fallen men be offered water first. When the water reached the second man, he too refused to drink before the thirst of the other wounded soldiers was quenched. Alas!, by the time the water had reached the third man, it was already too late: he and the other two soldiers had died. Truly these three paragons of self-sacrifice made manifest the words of their Prophet when he said:

"The best charity is that given when one is in need and struggling." (Ibn Katheer)

"…And they give others preference over themselves even though they were themselves in need…." (Quran 59:9)

The above verse was actually revealed in connection to what was, perhaps, the single greatest act of communal altruism ever witnessed in the history of mankind: the establishment of brotherhood between the Muslim emigrants fleeing persecution in Mecca (the Muhajiroon), and their helpers who took them in Medina (the Ansaar).

The Ansaar made previously untold sacrifices for their brothers in faith, despite the fact that they were themselves in great need. By their deeds, the bonds of brotherhood in the new Medinan society were strengthened and solidified in a manner not seen before or since. Arab was matched with non-Arab, freeman with former slave, Qurayshi (a member of Prophet’s own tribe) with non-Qurayshi, and so on.

"By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you spend of that which you love…." (Quran 3:92)

As an amazing example of how this brotherhood manifested itself, we have the case of the two Companions of the Prophet: Abdur-Rahman b. Awf, who was a Muhajir, and Sa’d b. al-Rabee, an Ansari. Abdur-Rahman narrates in his own words:

"When we came to Medina, the Messenger of God established bonds of brotherhood between me and Sa’d b. al-Rabee. Sa’d said: 'I am the wealthiest of the Ansar, so I will give you half of all my wealth. And see which of my wives you prefer, I will divorce her for you, and when she becomes lawful (as a divorcee), you can marry her.'

I (Abdur-Rahman) said to him: 'I do not need that. (But tell me), is there a marketplace here where people trade?' Sa‘ad said: 'There is the marketplace of Qaynuqa'… And so, the following day Abdur-Rahman went to the market to begin trading. Before long, he was once again wealthy, as he had been in Mecca, and able to marry of his own accord." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

"And those who, before them, had homes (in Madina) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from booty and the like), and they give (the emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were themselves in need. And whomsoever are saved from the covetousness of their own souls, such are they who will be successful." (Quran 59:9)

The altruism of the Medinan Muslims, praised by God in the Quran, was so great in its scope and impact that the Meccan recipients of their brothers’ selflessness were worried there would be no grace left for them! The Companion, Anas b. Malik, said:

"When the Prophet, may God praise him, came to Madina, the Muhajiroon came to him and said: 'O Messenger of God, we have never seen any people more generous when they have the means and more helpful when they have little, than the people among whom we have settled. They have looked after us and they have let us join them and share in all their happy occasions, to such an extent that we are afraid that they will take all the reward (from God in the Hereafter).’ The Prophet said: 'Not so long as you pray for them and praise them.’" (Al-Tirmidhi)

God Himself praised the Companions of Muhammad, both Muhajir and Ansar, for their great many selfless sacrifices and services in His Cause. He, the Almighty, also praised whoever would follow in their footsteps. Let us then follow them, perchance we may too be rewarded in heaven.

"The foremost (in faith) from the Muhajiroon and the Ansar and those who follow them in righteousness; God is well-pleased with them and they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them (the Companions and their followers in righteousness) gardens under which rivers flow to dwell therein forever - that is the supreme success." (Quran 9:100)

The Cake of Everlasting Friendship :-)

Howdy dear friends?
Hope you all always in the marvelous condition :)
How's your day? :)
No matter where you are now, I hope our friendship will growing stronger and stronger for the rest of our lives.
Well, in order to fulfil that, I'd love to share you the receipt of my delicious cake. Its called "The Cake of Everlasting Friendship"
Hmm, it's Yummy you know. Check the receipt out, okidoki :)

Ingredients :

* Two (or more) human beings of any size, shape or colour
* A large bowl (filled to the brim) of love
* A generous pinch of forgiveness
* A large dollop of understanding
* A bowlful of trust and loyalty
* A ladle of hope
* Two full cups of laughter
* A large dose of fun
* A bag of smiles
* A whole heap of sharing and caring
* Praise – whenever truly deserved
* As much support as needed to help the cake rise
* A large rounded spoonful of encouragement

Method :

1. Put all the ingredients in the bowl. The order in which you add these ingredients does not matter.

2. Stir the ingredients by hand the old-fashioned way. Take as long as you like. Speed is not important. The longer you stir the mixture, the more flavour it will have.

3. From time to time, taste the batter a little and savour the flavour. If you feel that your mixture is lacking in any ingredient, add a generous portion of it immediately.

4. Remember to stir gently. Do not beat your mixture violently, as this could cause the whole cake to fall flat.

5. If you get tired, take a little break to regain your energy, then get back to the task. Never give up until your mixture is absolutely smooth.

6. Pour the mixture into a giant cake tin and pop it into a huge pre-warmed oven.

7. Bake in a warm, slow oven for as long as you need to. From time to time, check your cake.

8. When it is baked to perfection, turn it out on a cake rack

9. Wait for the cake to cool. Then, decorate it with festive icing.

10. This cake can keep for a long, long time. In fact, for a lifetime!

Serving suggestion
Serve on a pretty cake plate. This cake can be enjoyed at all times. Remember to savour every mouthful. It is not often you get to eat a slice of everlasting friendship cake!

NOTE : this cake of everlasting friendship has a quality unlike any ordinary cake. It will last forever if properly looked after. Keep it in a special place and check on it regularly. Give it time and attention even when you are busy with other things. Neglect it at your peril. It might grow old and mouldy if you do. Share it regularly with the special people in your life.

WARNING!!!
Some people are known to use the following ingredients when making friendship cakes, but these are sure to spoil your mixture. We strongly advise you to leave them out altogether.

* Envy
* Greed
* Gossip
* Bad temper
* Anger

Well, it's strongly recommended that you try this receipt, buddies! :)
Later on,let me know how does your cake's taste, okidoki :)
LOVE YOU ^-^