Importance of helping others in times of crisis

Helping others is not only good for them and a good deed, it makes us happier and healthier. Are you familiar with the ancient Chinese proverb, "If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap? If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, you inherit a fortune. If you want happiness, help someone”. Helping others is an important part of living a good life.

Importance of helping others in times of crisis

It is the moral responsibility of every human being to come forward the helping others/people that are affected by various calamities including natural calamities, epidemics, floods, and tidal surges. Such is the teaching of Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) made an excellent announcement about this. What is that announcement?

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Whoever removes one of the dangers of a believer in this world, Allah will remove one of his (difficult) dangers in the Hereafter. Therefore, it is the religious duty of every believing Muslim to come forward for the benefit of the people affected by natural calamities, epidemics, forest dwellers, floods, storms, tidal waves, landslides, and earthquakes. The whole narration of the hadith to benefit the people is as follows-

Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

i. Whoever removes the calamity of a believer from the world, Allah will remove the calamity from him on the Day of Judgment (in the Hereafter).

ii. Whoever relieves the need of a miserable (helpless) person, Allah will remove his misery in this world and in the Hereafter.

iii. Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter.

iv. As long as the servant devotes himself to the support of his brother, Allah continues to support him.

Then the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gave advice on certain aspects of human life as follows:

v. Whoever goes out on the road to acquire knowledge, Allah will make the way to Paradise easy for him in return.

vi. When a community gathers in one of the houses of Allah and reads the Book of Allah and studies (the Qur'an) with one another, then peace descends upon them. Mercy overwhelms them, and the angels surround them. And Allah discusses them among those who are near to Him. And whoever is pushed back in virtue, his lineage (dignity) will not advance him. '(Muslim)

Scientific benefits of helping others

i. Helping others makes you happy

Increased longevity and greater healthcare, are associated with psychological conditions. Selflessness, generosity and an enhanced self help us to face challenges successfully. We need to feel like making a positive difference around us. Helping others enhances our sense of happiness. Studies have shown increased levels of satisfaction through volunteer work. The importance of beneficial action seems to be a good strategy for personal happiness. Generosity works best for a donor who has a specific goal. This effect does not only apply to the purpose of pleasing someone. Instead, it is associated with sacred joy, self-satisfaction, and a better connection with your Creator.

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ii. Reinforcing social connections by helping others

Helping others is not a one-way street where you do something good and it disappears. When you touch someone's life, you feel connected to them in a positive way. It builds trust and cooperation, which builds bridges of affection between people. When a person chooses to help others, it is directly proportional to contributing to their lives and strengthening social connections.

iii. Better adaptation to adversity and stress

Helping others helps us to manage our stress better. As you look at the challenges of life, you become more prepared to take on adversity and stress.

iv. Helping others, is good for a career

There are many things to consider when planning a fruitful career. However, among all other aspects, including creative freedom and autonomy, the biggest thing to consider is how our work will affect others. Those who work as religious personalities, medical professionals, or psychologists have higher job satisfaction rates. The connection between all these professions is the bond of help on people and society.

v. Gain improved health and long life

If you are interested in a fulfilling happy life, be a giver. This is concluded by a significant study of volunteer work. The link between helping others and good health is remarkable. Such as-

- It relieves depression and improves your mood

- Good for your mental health

- Reduces the risk of developing complex diseases.

It is a matter of human thought

Allah Himself will be engaged in the welfare of the world and the Hereafter for those who are engaged in any cooperative work, giving away the misery of the people, alleviating the need of the needy people, and helping the other brothers in danger.

Not only that, for those who will be engaged in the benefit of the people in danger, Allah will discuss these beneficial people among the angels around him. Allah will be engaged in the welfare of this world and the hereafter of them. What could be a greater blessing for the people who helped those affected people by floods, storms, tidal waves, landslides, and earthquakes?

So everyone, including believing Muslims, should come forward for the help of the endangered people. To pay special attention to the declaration of Hadith. To be endowed with the virtues and dignity declared by Prophet (SAW).