SERVICE TO MANKIND

possessions. Social work in other words, is service to humanity. And after the worship of God, no task is nobler. According to another Hadith, on Judgement day, God will say to a person, “I” was ill, but you did not come to nurse Me.” The man will reply, “God, You being the Lord of the universe, how can You be ill? God will answer, such and such servant of Mine was ill. Had you gone there, you would have found Me there with him. Then God will say to another person, “I was hungry but you did not feed Me.” The person will reply, “God, You are the Lord of the worlds, how could You go hungry?” God will say, such and such of My servant came to you, but you did not feed him. Had you done, so, you would have found Me with him. Then God will say to yet another man, “I was thirsty, and you did not give Me water to drink.” That person will also say, “God, You are the Lord of the worlds, how could You be thirsty?” God will say, such and such servant of Mine came to you, but you did not give him water to drink. Had you offered him water, you would have found Me there with him. From this, we learn the Islamic principle that if someone wants to find God, he shall first have to make himself deserving of this by helping the poor and the needy. This act becomes a means of spiritual progress for him. And there is no doubt that it is only those people who have elevated themselves spiritually, who will find God. This culture of mercy and compassion approved of by God is not limited to human beings, but extends also to the animal world. We must be equally sympathetic to animals. The Hadith gives us many guidelines on how to look after animals and treat them with fairness, there being duties to them laid down by God. One who is cruel to animals risks depriving himself of God’s mercy. Islamic belief softens the hearts of its believers. That is why, when Islamic belief penetrates people’s hearts, they will of necessity become kind and compassionate to others. They will see everyone with eyes of love and compassion. They will have this urge within them to serve others and fulfill others’ needs. If, even after adopting the beliefs of Islam, feelings of love and compassion do not well up in the heart of its adherent, he should rethink whether or not Islamic beliefs have truly found a place in his heart and mind, whether he is able to practice fully what he believes Social work in other words, is service to humanity. And after the worship of God, no task is nobler.