Exploring the Profound Role of Doing Good in Strengthening Faith and Uplifting Humanity
By Kaniz Fatma, New Age Islam
7 December 2024
In Islam, Doing Good (Fa‘Lu Al-Khayr) Is A Fundamental Principle That Embodies The Essence Of Faith, Benefiting Both Individuals And Society. This Article Highlights How This Core Value, Rooted In Monotheism, Purification, And Intellectual Reasoning, Extends To All Aspects Of Life—Spiritual, Moral, And Social. Drawing From The Qur’an And Prophetic Teachings, The Article Illustrates How "Doing Good" Serves As A Universal Call To Action, Fostering Justice, Compassion, And Development For The Betterment Of Humanity And All Living Beings.
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Doing Good: A Hallmark of Our Islamic Faith and Community
Our Islamic community has several essential hallmarks that represent its values and characteristics. These hallmarks accurately and profoundly reflect its nature and distinctiveness. Among the most important are:
Tawhid (Monotheism): The foundation and overarching essence of the faith.
Tazkiyah (Purification): The core of its spiritual and psychological development.
Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil: The secret to the vitality of its society.
Ijtihad (Independent Reasoning): The essence of its intellectual and mental dynamism.
Additionally, there is doing good (Fa‘Lu Al-Khayr), which represents the fruit of its movement, benefiting both its members and others.
In a significant gesture, the Qur’ān combines the acts of bowing, prostration, worship, and doing good in a single verse, presenting them as the path to success. Allāh Almighty says:
"O you who believe, bow, prostrate, worship your Lord, and do good so that you may succeed."
(Al-Qur’ān al-Ḥakīm, Sūrah Al-Ḥajj, Chapter 22, Verse 77)
Doing Good: A Comprehensive Meaning
The term "good" (Khayr) encompasses all that is beneficial. In Al-Kulliyat by Al-Kafawi, it is explained that:
"Khayr refers broadly to anything that leads to religious or worldly betterment."
The word "Khayr" (good) appears in the Qur’ān to signify various meanings connected to both religious and worldly matters. Al-Kafawī mentions several instances in the Qur’ān where "Khayr" has been used to denote different concepts, including:
1. The Qur’an itself:
{That a good (Khayr) may be sent down to you from your Lord.} (2:105)
2. The most beneficial:
{We bring forth something better (Khayr) than it.} (2:106)
3. Wealth:
{If he leaves behind wealth (Khayr).} (2:180)
4. The opposite of evil:
{In Your hand is all good (Khayr).} (3:26)
5. Reconciliation:
{They invite to good (Khayr).} (3:104)
6. Well-being:
{If He touches you with good (Khayr).} (6:17)
7. Faith:
{If Allāh had known any good (Khayr) in them.} (8:23)
8. Voluntary acts:
{We revealed to them to do good deeds (Khairaat).} (21:73)
9. Reward:
{There is good (Khayr) for you in them.} (22:36)
10. The best:
{And You are the best (Khayr) of those who show mercy.} (23:118)
11. Modesty:
{The believing men and women assumed good (Khayr) of themselves.} (24:12)
12. Food:
{I am in need of any good (Khayr) You send down to me.} (28:24)
13. Victory:
{They did not achieve any good (Khayr).} (33:25)
14. Horses:
{Indeed, I have loved the love of good (Khayr) over the remembrance [of Allāh].} (38:32)
15. Strength:
{Are they better (Khayr)?} (44:37)
16. Worldly possessions:
{Indeed, he is intense in the love of wealth (Khayr).} (100:8)
Thus, the term "Khayr" (good), as it appears in the Qur’an, is a comprehensive concept that signifies benefit and righteousness, whether it pertains to religious or worldly matters.
From this, it becomes clear that the call to "do good" is an inclusive invitation encompassing all actions that bring benefit to humanity—be it in their religion, faith, and piety, or in their worldly affairs and interests. Islam was revealed to achieve this universal benefit for humanity, and accordingly, it also requires individuals to contribute to this overarching benefit.
Goodness is a "fruit" brought forth by Islam through its guidance and laws, and it is also an "action" performed by individuals in their movements and stillness, in what they do and refrain from doing.
Doing Good: A Comprehensive Act
Just as "Khayr" (good) encompasses a broad meaning of righteousness in both religion and worldly affairs, it is also a comprehensive act. It extends to:
The Individual And Others.
Humanity And All Living Beings.
Muslims And All People.
Benefiting Oneself And Others.
The gift of goodness is manifested in that it extends beyond its possessor to others; it has a fragrant aroma that not only benefits its possessor but also those around them. As reported by ‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘Amr, the Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) said:
“The best companions in the sight of Allāh are those who are best to their companions, and the best neighbours in the sight of Allāh are those who are best to their neighbours.” (Al-Ḥākim in Al-Mustadrak)
And Jābir reported that the Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) said:
“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” (Al-Qudhā‘ī in Musnad al-Shihāb)
The act of doing good is manifested in that it extends beyond its possessor to others.
Al-Manāwī stated: “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others”: by showing kindness to them through their wealth and status, for they are servants of Allāh. The most beloved to Allāh are those who are most beneficial to their families, meaning those who are of the highest rank and most useful to others, whether through blessings they bestow or hardships they prevent, whether in matters of religion or worldly affairs. The benefits of religion are of greater value and longer lasting. Some have said that this indicates that the just ruler is the best of people, after the prophets, because only they can carry out matters whose benefits are widespread and impactful. Through them, the people and lands are benefited. They are responsible for the continuation of the prophetic mission in guiding creation, inviting them to the truth, establishing their religion, and setting their affairs right. Without them, there would be neither knowledge nor action.
In the Benefit of Humans and All Creatures
Human beings are the vicegerents of Allāh on Earth, entrusted with its improvement, development, and the prevention of corruption. Therefore, they are required to ensure that their actions benefit all the creatures around them in this universe, which have been made subservient to them to assist in fulfilling their mission.
It is no surprise, then, that a person is punished if they cause corruption on Earth or harm to the creatures around them without just cause. As reported in Sahih al-Bukhari, ‘Abd Allāh ibn ‘(may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) said:
“A woman was punished in Hell because she imprisoned a cat until it died. She neither fed it nor gave it water when it was thirsty. Instead, she locked it up and did not allow it to eat from the insects of the earth.”
The divine command is explicit in urging reform and prohibiting corruption. Allāh says:
{And do not cause corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allāh is near to the doers of good.} (Al-A‘rāf, 7:56)
In the Interpretation of the Noble Verse
Sheikh Abu Zahrah explained that the meaning of “reforming the Earth” is that Allāh created it fit for human habitation, with fertile land for cultivation and enjoyment of all that is lawful and good. He has sent prophets as warners and bearers of glad tidings, guiding people to the truth, reforming them, and encouraging them to do good. “Corruption” refers to spreading injustice, and spoiling the products of the Earth, and “transgression” includes actions such as cooperating in sin and wrongdoing, cutting trees, and burning fruits.
The Concept of Doing Good Extends Beyond Humans to All Creatures
The Prophetic Sunnah supports the Qur'anic call to spread benefit not just among humans but also to all creatures. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allāh (peace be upon him) said:
"There is no Muslim who plants a plant or sows seeds, and a bird, a human, or an animal eats from it, but it will be counted as a charity for him." (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
The Benefit of a Muslim to Himself and Others
This is realized in two ways that encompass both spiritual and material benefits:
The Spiritual Benefit: The Muslim strives to spread the guidance of Islam to all people. Islam is the final religion and a universal message. It is not confined to any particular group, time, or place. Allāh says in the Qur'an:
“Say, 'O mankind, indeed I am the messenger of Allāh to you all, to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him. He gives life and causes death. So believe in Allāh and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allāh and His words, and follow him that you may be guided.'” (Al-A'raf: 158)
This highlights that Islam is a message meant for all of humanity, calling them to faith and righteousness.
The Second Aspect: A Muslim’s Contribution to Humanity
The second aspect involves the Muslim's actions in life, leading to development, prosperity, peace, and the sharing of blessings and fruits with all people. These benefits are not exclusive to Muslims; they are intended for humanity at large. This contrasts with the harmful and divisive views of those who restrict such blessings based on racist ideologies or false superiority. The Islamic civilization, especially during its periods of cultural exchange in places like Sicily and Andalusia, served as a witness to the generosity of Islamic society, where non-Muslims also partook in its prosperity, enjoying the fruits of a genuinely humane and universally beneficial civilization.
The Values Embedded in Doing Good
This essential understanding reflects the fact that “doing good” is a key attribute of our religion and our Ummah. It represents a methodology, values, and a way of life. Embedded within the concept of “doing good” are several core values that form the foundation of Islamic civilization. These values include:
Justice: A commitment to fairness for all, regardless of their faith, race, or background.
Compassion and Mercy: Extending kindness and care to all creatures and creating a society where mercy prevails.
Generosity and Charity: Not only in terms of material wealth but also through sharing knowledge, wisdom, and skills for the betterment of all.
Social Responsibility: Ensuring that the benefits of progress, peace, and resources reach every individual, irrespective of their identity.
These values are integral to the Islamic way of life and reflect the comprehensive, inclusive nature of the Islamic message.
The Key Values Implicit in "Doing Good":
1. The Value of Giving: Islam is not a burden on life or others; it contributes to and elevates them. It adds value to the world and improves it.
2. The Value of Mercy: Islam is a religion that takes mercy as one of its highest purposes. Allah says: {And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds} (Al-Anbiya: 107). From this mercy, the good of Islam extends to both humans and all creatures.
3. The Value of Humanity: Islam offers material and spiritual goodness to everyone, as it is a message of guidance and reform for everyone.
4. The Value of Development: True benefit can only exist through development. The opposite is destruction and corruption. Where there is no development, no true benefit can be achieved.
5. The Value of Creativity: Continuous giving requires creativity in action and perfection in deeds. Islam encourages innovation and excellence in fulfilling work that benefits others.
Conclusion:
Thus, "doing good" represents a vital principle in Islam: it is a methodology, a responsibility for the nation, a comprehensive value system, a moral character based on humanity and mercy, and an active contribution to life through generosity, development, and creativity.
A Call to Action:
What has been mentioned requires us to shake off negligence, laziness, and idleness, to realize our true purpose in life, which demands seriousness and dedication. We must strive to be worthy of doing good for ourselves and others, not to beg for help or extend a hand of need!
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Kaniz Fatma is a classic Islamic scholar and a regular columnist for New Age Islam.
URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-spiritualism/good-strengthening-faith-uplifting-humanity/d/133959
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