BEING BENEFICIAL TO OTHERS

From the Quran (13:17), we learn that the Creator of the world has made it in such a way that stability and permanence are only granted to those who prove themselves beneficial to others. Everything in this world is designed with this principle in mind. In this world, anything remains established only as long as it is beneficial to others. When something loses its capacity to benefit, it loses its right to life as well. After this, the system of nature, deeming it undesirable, discards it.

God has favoured this very system of nature for mankind as well (Quran, 3:83). The person who is desired by God is the one who lives in this world as a beneficial being—someone who truly becomes a giver. This person provides others with what they need for their life and survival. It is such a person who rightfully deserves to be called a human being. Such a person is worthy of God’s success and progress in this world.

The Prophet of Islam said: “Whoever among you can benefit their brother, they should do so.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2199).

To become beneficial to others, it is not necessary to possess vast wealth or resources. Every person, within their capacity, can be beneficial to others. For example, offering a word of well-wishing to someone is a way of benefiting them. Similarly, giving someone good advice, carrying a burden for them, helping with their tasks, guiding a lost person, offering financial assistance according to one’s means, or removing obstacles from their path—all these actions contribute to benefiting others. Even if a person is unable to offer any physical assistance, praying for someone’s well-being is also a form of helping and benefiting them.