Ethics In Islam

KINDNESS IV

       A man can show kindness in many a ways in accommodating a debtor. A debtor may need time to repay a loan or it may be easier for him to repay it in small installments. So any facility which is given by a creditor to a debtor is kindness. Politeness and courtesy in demanding repayment of a loan or its remission, when the debtor is not in a position to repay, are other instances of kindness. The Qur'aan highly appreciates the act of remission when the debtor is not in a position to repay a loan and regards it as an act of extreme favour and kindness. The Qur'aan says:

"But if you remit it by way of charity that is best for you if you only knew." (S. 2: 280)

       There are, of course occasions when a man may not find himself in a position to extend any type of help to a needy person owing to his own financial difficulties. In such a case, a recommendation to some one else for help would also be a act of kindness. He who helps others, the Almighty Allaah helps him. The Kind Prophet said:

"Allaah Himself is the Helper of His servant when he is busy in helping his brother."

       There are thus opportunities without number of participation in kindness towards others, according to one's capacity, strength and resources and, even without these, of contributing one's mite by being noble, polite and courteous. Kindness is a virtue and one does not need wealth to pursue it. The Qur'aan particularly stresses the need for help to those who, because of their modesty and shyness, do not express their need and refrain from exploiting their poverty. The Qur'aan says:

"(Charity is) for those in need, who, in Allaah's cause, are restricted (from travel), and cannot move about on the land, seeking (for trade or work). The ignorant think that because of their modesty they are free from want."
(S. 2: 273).

       Kindness is not confined to financial or other material help only. It has a very wide scope. It includes all virtuous acts which are performed to better the lot of the needy to save the oppressed from the tyrant and to restrain the tyrant from persecution of others. The Kind Prophet instructed the faithful:

"You help your brother whether he is a tyrant or a tyrannized."

His companions enquired from him as to what he meant by help to the tyrant. The Kind Prophet explained:

"To stop the tyrant from committing acts of tyranny is a help to the tyrant."

       Kindness must, of necessity, have certain inherent attributes. One is the sincerity of purpose. There should be no other aim in doing good except the good itself. If there is some ulterior motive behind one's kindness, it will not be kindness at all and will not, as such, be acceptable to Allaah.

       Favour and kindness should be in the name of Allaah. These should be shown neither for fame nor for popularity, nor even for the return of a favour from the person to whom kindness has been shown. The doers shall not feel proud in doing acts of kindness or boast about them, for in their person and in their goods they stand sold unto Allaah, for theirs (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise). (The Qur'aan S. 9: 111)

       The least feeling of pride or fame can spoil the whole act and then instead of any reward from Allaah, it can be a cause of punishment.

       Reminding a person of a favour or kindness done to him on some previous occasion is a bad habit. It is not uncommon to see that when a person to whom some favour or kindness is done acts against the wishes of the person who had done it, the latter hastens to remind the former about it. This is an act which nullifies all good. Allaah has specially commanded man to refrain from such acts -

"Oh you who believe! cancel not your charity by reminding of your generosity or by injury like those who spend their substance to be seen of men, but believe neither his Allah nor in the Last Day."

       The Kind Prophet had described three types of men who would be deprived of the vision of Allaah and the honour of a talk with Him, and who would be given severe punishment. Among them, those who do favour and kindness to others but remind them about it, top the list.

       The reminding of a favour or kindness does not give any benefit to the doer even in this worldly life but reduces his reputation and respect. Thus, such a bargain does not prove to be beneficial. Those who do kindness only for the Pleasure of Allaah and desire a reward from Him are blessed with His Pleasure and are saved from the fear and worry of the Doomsday. The Qur'aan says:

"Those who spend their substance in the cause of Allaah and follow not up their gifts with reminders of their generosity of with injury - for them their reward is with their Lord: on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve."
(S. 2: 262)

       The act of kindness done solely to please Allaah is accepted by Him. The reward of the doer is not wasted as the Qur'aan says:

"For Allaah suffereth not the reward to be lost of those who do good." (S. 9: 120)

       Moreover, Allaah loves those who do acts of kindness and favour as stated in the following Verse of the Qur'aan:

"Allaah loves those who do good."

       Striving for the love of Allaah is the aim of our life and also the last wish of the faithful. May Allaah bless us with His Love.

AMEEN!

Continuation from: Kindness I, Kindness II, Kindness III.