The Impact of Kind Acts on the Doer
Acts of kindness have a profound effect on the individual performing them, as illustrated in the following ways:
Divine Aid to the Servant
As stated by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Whoever alleviates the suffering of a believer in this world, Allah will alleviate their suffering on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever helps a person in difficulty, Allah will ease their burdens in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever covers the faults of a Muslim, Allah will cover their faults in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah is in the aid of His servant as long as the servant is in the aid of their brother.”
The assistance from Allah to the Muslim servant is a reward of a similar nature to their deeds. For those who strive to fulfill the needs of their fellow Muslims, Allah acts as a vigilant protector of their own needs and a dedicated planner for their affairs. On the Day of Judgment, Allah rewards the alleviation of distress with high status, and easing others’ burdens in this life will result in ease in the Hereafter, while covering others’ faults provides protection in the afterlife—when one is in utmost need of such grace.
Forgiveness of Sins and Increase in Good Deeds
This can be elucidated in the following points:
- Among the most righteous acts valued by Allah, and that brings the greatest rewards, is performing acts of kindness for those in need. True goodness extends beyond oneself; hence, when you give to yourself by obeying Allah’s commands and avoiding disobedience, you reap the rewards of forgiveness and the increase of your good deeds.
- Acts of charity and kindness encompass all words and actions deemed commendable by Islamic law, accountable to Allah—glory be to Him. While giving someone’s physical needs, sincere intentions, and financial aid count, Allah multiplies the rewards of even the smallest acts. Thus, increase your generosity, and Allah will bestow upon you His abundant grace and mercy.
- Acts of kindness include comforting the heart, bringing joy, helping those in need, and offering aid to those who are suffering.
Protection from Misfortunes
This can be outlined as follows:
- The person who engages in good deeds in this life becomes deserving of kindness in both this world and the Hereafter. They are spared from a disgraceful death, and their rewards are multiplied in the afterlife. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Acts of kindness protect from misfortunes, calamities, and destruction. Those who perform kindness in this world will also receive kindness in the Hereafter.”
- Al-Mawardi mentioned that individuals who are capable of performing acts of kindness should do so while they possess the strength and energy, before a day arrives when they might be unable to act. Countless opportunities come and go; if lost, they never return. Many regretful moments could have been avoided had one been conscious of the fleeting nature of time and worldly circumstances.
- Mawardi further highlighted that acts of kindness shield one from disgraceful death and from calamities and disease, thus emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with friends and maintaining their relationships through good deeds.
Experiencing the Joy of Giving
This can be seen in the following points:
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known for his extensive generosity; he would readily give to anyone who asked. His actions reflect a passion for goodness and delight in performing acts of kindness and assisting those in need.
- “The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most generous among people, especially during Ramadan when he encountered Gabriel. Gabriel would visit him every night in Ramadan until it ended. During these encounters, the Prophet would present the Quran to Gabriel, and upon meeting him, the Prophet was more generous than the rushing wind.”
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) displayed diversity in his generosity—sometimes providing for a beggar, other times honoring a guest, or giving generously in various forms. He would also visit his fellow believers and relatives, buy goods, return items with payment, and offer gifts. The companions often modeled their behaviors after the Prophet’s exemplary generosity.
The Effect of Kind Acts on Others
Performing kind acts towards others positively affects both individuals and the community, as highlighted below:
Bringing Joy to Their Hearts
This can be articulated in the following points:
- One of the most beloved deeds to Allah and those that brings the greatest joy to a Muslim’s heart involves fulfilling the needs of the hungry, clothing the naked, or assisting the elderly, widows, or the disabled. A smile in the face of a fellow Muslim is also a form of charity and kindness. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “All of creation is Allah’s family; the most beloved to Allah are those who are most beneficial to His family.”
- How many acts of kindness have transformed the lives of others? How many have provided essential guidance that changed someone’s life path for the better?
Assisting Them and Fulfilling Their Needs
This can be noted in the following points:
- Allah (SWT) commands: “And cooperate in goodness and righteousness, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression. And fear Allah.” This is a significant command from Allah to assist others and fulfill their needs.
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “The example of the believers in their mutual love, mercy, and compassion is like the body; when one part suffers, the rest of the body responds with sleeplessness and fever.” This represents one of the highest forms of kindness—characterized by compassion among Muslims and the immediate assistance to anyone in need of care in all forms.