Embracing Social Responsibility: Lessons from the Qur’an

In a world where social issues often seem overwhelming, the teachings of the Qur’an provide timeless guidance on the importance of social responsibility. One such teaching is found in Surah Al-Isra, verse 26, which highlights the necessity of fulfilling the rights of relatives, the needy, and travellers while cautioning against wastefulness:

وَآتِ ذَا الْقُرْبَى حَقَّهُ وَالْمِسْكِينَ وَابْنَ السَّبِيلِ وَلَا تُبَذِّرْ تَبْذِيرًا (اسراء، ۲۶).

“Give the relatives their due right, as well as the needy and the traveller, and do not squander wastefully.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:26)

This verse underscores several important principles of social responsibility. It emphasises the need to support family, the less fortunate, and strangers, while avoiding wastefulness. The verse contains profound messages relevant for youth, parents, religious leaders, and Muslim communities today.

Educational Messages for Youth

1. Avoid Wastefulness to Help Others

Be mindful that any form of wasteful spending or extravagance can prevent you and your family from addressing the needs of others. The Qur’an teaches that the resources we have are not meant to be squandered but should be used wisely to help those in need, especially the poor and the stranded.

2. Develop a Sense of Duty Towards Others

As young people, you have a responsibility not just to yourself but also to society. Your financial habits and lifestyle choices should reflect a sense of responsibility towards others, ensuring that you do not indulge in luxury at the expense of helping those in need.

Educational Messages for Parents:

1. Balance Your Responsibility Towards Both Family and Strangers

As parents, your duty is not only to assist your relatives but also to help strangers who are in need. Some may focus solely on helping outsiders, while others may limit their support to family members. However, the Qur’an encourages us to address the needs of both groups, recognising the rights of relatives and those outside our immediate circle.

2. See Helping Others as a Duty, Not a Favour

Your social responsibility and the assistance you provide to others should not be seen as mere acts of kindness, but rather as your duty. The Qur’an uses the word “right” in this verse, implying that it is a right of others to receive help and a duty on your part to provide it. Recognise this as part of your religious and social obligations.

3. Avoid Over-Generosity to the Detriment of Your Own Needs

While it is important to help others, this should not be done to the extent that you neglect your own needs. Just as in an emergency on an aeroplane, where you are instructed to put on your oxygen mask first before helping others, it is essential to maintain your own well-being so that you are in a position to assist those in need. Thus, be careful not to overextend yourself and forget your own basic needs.

Educational Messages for Religious Leaders and Cultural Centres:

1. Facilitate Structures for Charitable Giving

As religious leaders and cultural centres, you should establish mechanisms that make it easier for the Muslim community to fulfil their responsibilities towards others. Facilitate programmes and structures that enable the community to give to those in need, whether locally or globally, and make sure these efforts are well-organised and accessible.

2. Encourage Diverse Forms of Contribution to Social Responsibility:

Religious leaders should design and promote various avenues for individuals to help others beyond just financial assistance. Social responsibility encompasses a range of contributions, including sharing knowledge, offering skills, or utilising one’s influence for the benefit of others. It is essential to create and provide diverse, modern options for community service that allow individuals to engage in altruistic activities that align with their abilities and resources. This approach not only broadens the scope of how help can be given but also encourages greater participation within the community, fostering a culture of mutual support and collaboration.

3. Promote Islamic Systems of Structured Social Responsibility

Promote and implement Islamic traditions and laws that structure social responsibility, such as Zakat, Khums, Sadaqah, and Kafarah. These are divinely mandated tools that ensure a systematic approach to assisting those in need and addressing inequality within the community.

Educational Messages for Muslim Communities:

1. Establish Systems to Support the Needy and Travellers

As a community, you must create and maintain systems that can provide help to those who are in need, including travellers and those who find themselves in difficult situations. This responsibility includes ensuring that there are effective support networks for those who have no other recourse.

2. Guard Against Indifference and Selfishness

Be wary of falling into the trap of indifference, irresponsibility, and selfishness. You are accountable for the well-being of others and should not allow a lack of concern for others to prevail in your community. The Qur’an commands us to be active participants in ensuring the welfare of those less fortunate.

3. See Opportunities to Help Others as a Blessing

If you find yourself in a position to assist someone in need, recognise this as a blessing from Allah, rather than a burden. Helping others is not just a duty but also a means of earning Allah’s pleasure and seeking His favour. Embrace these opportunities as gifts from Allah, allowing you to serve humanity and fulfil your religious obligations.