Rights of Relatives, Poor, and Travelers
حقوق الأقارب والمسكين والمسافر
In Islam, fulfilling the [rights of others] is a fundamental expression of faith and a cornerstone of a just and compassionate society. This theme, encompassing the rights of relatives, the poor, and travelers, highlights a holistic approach to communal responsibility. Kinship ties, known as *silat ar-rahim*, are highly emphasized, reminding believers to cherish and maintain strong bonds with their family, showing kindness and support. The Quran links this obligation directly to the worship of Allah, enjoining us [to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy]. Furthermore, a significant emphasis is placed on caring for the less fortunate. Islam calls for active compassion towards the poor and needy, advocating for their well-being through charity and generosity, even to the point of [speaking to people good words] if material aid isn't possible. This extends to the traveler, especially one who is stranded or in need of assistance, reminding us that hospitality and support for those away from home are noble deeds. Ultimately, providing for [the relative his right, as well as the needy and the traveler] is described as what is [best for those who desire the countenance of Allah], fostering a community rooted in mutual care and divine reward.
Quran 2 verses
وَإِذْ أَخَذْنَا مِيثَٰقَ بَنِىٓ إِسْرَٰٓءِيلَ لَا تَعْبُدُونَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهَ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَٰكِينِ وَقُولُوا۟ لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا وَأَقِيمُوا۟ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ ثُمَّ تَوَلَّيْتُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا مِّنكُمْ وَأَنتُم مُّعْرِضُونَ
Wa iz akhaznaa meesaaqa Baneee Israaa'eela laa ta'budoona illal laaha wa bil waalidaini ihsaananw wa zil qurbaa walyataamaa walmasaakeeni wa qooloo linnaasi husnanw wa aqeemus salaata wa aatuzZakaata summa tawallitum illaa qaleelam minkum wa antum mu'ridoon
And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], "Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah." Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.
اور جب ہم نے بنی اسرائیل سے عہد لیا کہ خدا کے سوا کسی کی عبادت نہ کرنا اور ماں باپ اور رشتہ داروں اور یتیموں اور محتاجوں کے ساتھ بھلائی کرتے رہنا اور لوگوں سے اچھی باتیں کہنا، اور نماز پڑھتے اور زکوٰة دیتے رہنا، تو چند شخصوں کے سوا تم سب (اس عہد سے) منہ پھیر کر پھر بیٹھے
Commentary
فَـَٔاتِ ذَا ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ حَقَّهُۥ وَٱلْمِسْكِينَ وَٱبْنَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌ لِّلَّذِينَ يُرِيدُونَ وَجْهَ ٱللَّهِ وَأُو۟لَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ
Fa aati zal qurbaa haqqahoo walmiskeena wabnassabeel; zaalika khairul lil lazeena yureedoona Wajhal laahi wa ulaaa'ika humul muflihoon
So give the relative his right, as well as the needy and the traveler. That is best for those who desire the countenance of Allah, and it is they who will be the successful.
تو اہلِ قرابت اور محتاجوں اور مسافروں کو ان کا حق دیتے رہو۔ جو لوگ رضائے خدا کے طالب ہیں یہ اُن کے حق میں بہتر ہے۔ اور یہی لوگ نجات حاصل کرنے والے ہیں
Commentary
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