A Right in Our Wealth: The Qur’anic Call to Care for Those in Need

Occasion of reflecting on this ayah: 5 September, the International Day of Charity

Introduction

On this occasion, it is a good opportunity to reflect on one of the beautiful teachings of the Qur’an about our responsibility towards people in need:

وَفِي أَمْوَالِهِمْ حَقٌّ لِلسَّائِلِ وَالْمَحْرُومِ

“And in their wealth, there is a recognised right for the petitioner and the deprived.” (Surah Adh-Dhariyat, 51:19)

Educational messages of this ayah for teenagers and youth

1. Share What You Have

Set aside a share of your knowledge, skills and other resources to help those who do not have them.

Practical Challenge: This week, share one useful skill or piece of knowledge with someone who needs it.

2. Count Your Blessings

Think about the blessings Allah has given you and notice what you have that others may not; this can make you more grateful and thankful.

Practical Challenge: Write down three blessings you have today and think of one way you can use each to help someone else.

3. Look for Those Who Do Not Ask

Help not only those who ask for what they need, but also actively look for those who have a need but are too shy or unable to ask.

Practical Challenge: Identify one person who may need something you can offer and reach out to them kindly.

4. Give Without Making Others Feel Indebted

Do not remind people of the help you have given them; what you give may be their rightful share of the blessings Allah has entrusted to you.

Practical Challenge: Help someone this week without telling others about it or expecting thanks.

5. Small Acts Can Make a Big Difference

You do not need to be rich to help someone; your time, attention, skills and kindness can also be a form of charity.

Practical Challenge: This week, give at least one hour of your time to help someone who needs support without expecting anything in return.

6. Be Kind Online as Well as Offline

The Qur’anic spirit of caring for others also applies to social media: do not mock, exclude or embarrass people, especially when you do not know what they are going through.

Practical Challenge: For one week, avoid sharing or commenting on anything that could humiliate someone, and use your online presence to encourage at least one person.

7. Make Helping Others Part of Your Identity

Being a good Muslim is not only about what you believe or say; it is also about becoming a person whom others can trust, approach and rely on.

Practical Challenge: Start a personal “kindness habit” and do one useful thing for another person every day for the next seven days.

Educational messages of this ayah for parents

1. Let Your Children Give

When helping others, involve your children and let them give with their own hands, so that generosity becomes a natural part of their character from an early age.

Practical Challenge: This week, involve your child personally in one act of giving or helping.

2. Look Beyond Your Own Household

A strong Muslim family should not become so focused on its own comfort that it forgets neighbours, refugees, elderly people, single parents or families facing financial hardship.

Practical Challenge: As a family, identify one person or household in your wider community who may need practical support and find a respectful way to help.

3. Connect Gratitude with Responsibility

When children appreciate the food, safety, education and opportunities they have, they can learn that blessings also bring responsibilities towards others.

Practical Challenge: At one family meal this week, ask each family member to name one blessing they are grateful for and one way they can share that blessing with someone else.

Educational messages of this ayah for imams and teachers

1. Recognise the Wealth Beyond Money

Teach people that wealth includes not only money, but also knowledge, skills, useful connections, reputation and other abilities that can be used to help others.

Practical Challenge: Ask your students or congregation to identify three things they have that could benefit someone else.

2. Teach as an Act of Worship

Share your knowledge and abilities sincerely as a way of drawing closer to Allah, rather than seeing teaching simply as an administrative duty.

Practical Challenge: This week, give extra time to help one learner beyond what your formal responsibilities require.

3. Teach People to See the “Hidden Deprived”

The verse reminds us that some needy people do not ask for help, so religious education should develop awareness, sensitivity and the ability to recognise hidden hardship.

Practical Challenge: Encourage your students or congregation to identify one form of hidden need – such as unemployment or food insecurity – and discuss one practical response to it.

4. Turn the Mosque and Classroom into Places of Care

A mosque or educational setting should be a place where people feel seen, welcomed and supported – not only during religious programmes but also when they face personal difficulties.

Practical Challenge: Create a simple system for identifying and supporting people in the community who may be experiencing