“On the authority of Abu Huraira (RadhiAllahu Anhu) who said that the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said:
“Every small bone of everyone has upon it a charitable act for everyday upon which the sun rises. Bringing about justice between two is an act of charity. Helping a man get on his mount, lifting him onto it or helping him put his belongings onto it, is a charitable act. A good word is a charitable act. Every step you take toward the prayer is a charitable act. And removing a harmful thing from the path is a charitable act.”
[Recorded in al-Bukhari and Muslim]
“Every small bone of everyone has upon it a charitable act for everyday upon which the sun rises. “
When we think of every small bone and how it takes its place in the human body, interacting with the bones around it to give us stability and mobility, one cannot help but wonder at the majesty of our Creator, Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala).
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
“O man! What has made you careless about your Lord, the Most Generous? [He] who created you perfectly, and gave you due proportion. In whatever form He willed, He put you together.”
(Surah al-Infitaar:6-8)
He (swt) points to this miracle as one of His Signs:
“We shall show them our signs in the Universe and in their own selves until it becomes manifest to them that this is the truth”
(Surah al-Fusslat:53)
This should make the believer ask, how should we show our gratefulness for this blessing that is this amazing human body? This hadith illustrates the answer for us. We should use these bones to do acts of kindness and charity to show our gratitude to Allah (swt). These acts should be done everyday that Allah (swt) blesses us with the ability to do so.
“Bringing about justice between two is an act of charity.”
This part of the hadith shows us that bringing two people who are in conflict together, and making peace and reconciliation between them is considered an act of charity in Islam. Allah (swt) commands us in the Qur’an to reconcile the hearts of the believers:
“So fear Allah and make reconciliation among yourselves”
(Surah al-Anfaal:1)
“The believers are nothing else other than brothers. So make reconciliation between them and have fear of Allah, such that you may attain mercy”
(Surah al-Hujuraat:10)
Making things right between two people brings about peace, harmony and love and this has wider blessings for society as a whole. From a Shareeah point of view, this goal of bringing harmony is so important that it is one of the few areas in which any form of lying, with the intention of bringing about a greater good, is permitted. Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
“There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders charity or righteousness or conciliation between mankind; and he does this seeking the good pleasure of Allah. We shall give him a great reward”
(Surah al-Nisaa:114)
There are many times in which the differences that occur between people happen within families or close friends. Sometimes it can feel that the differences are so great they are intractable. But Allah (swt) shows us how pleased He (swt) is with those who strive to please Him by reconciling the hearts. He (swt) even allows us to stretch the truth in order to try and bring two hearts together.
Can you think of anyone that you know who is not on speaking terms with someone close to them? Can you think of any way in which you could assist in bringing about a reconciliation between them? Perhaps inviting them both and mediating to sort out their differences? This is a greatly rewardable act, and as this hadith shows us, it is considered a form of charity in Islam. So let’s strive to please Allah (swt) by bringing about harmony in our community.
“Helping a man get on his mount, lifting him onto it or helping him put his belongings onto it, is a charitable act.”
Every act that a Muslim performs to help another person is pleasing to Allah (swt). In the part of the hadith the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) states that even helping someone else onto or into their form of transport, or helping them with their baggage, is a charitable act.
Helping one another relieves the burdens and hardships in life. We cannot meet all our needs alone, we must seek help from others. When we assist each other in everyday tasks, this helps to develop love and togetherness amongst the Muslim community.
In fact, Allah (swt) has commanded the Muslims to help one another. He (swt) says:
“Help you one another in virtue and piety”
(Surah al-Maaidah:2)
Included in the acts referred to in this hadith in this day and age would be giving one another a lift, helping each other if we have problems with our car and so forth. We should never overlook even the smallest opportunity to provide assistance to others with the intention of seeking the reward of Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala).