The Quran

“Obey Allah and associate no partner with Him. Treat kindly your parents, relatives, The orphans, And those who have been left alone in the society. Take care of the needy, The disabled, Those whose hard earned income is insufficient to meet their needs, And those whose businesses have stalled, And those who have lost their jobs. You shall treat kindly your related neighbors, And unrelated neighbors, Companions by your side in public gatherings, Or public transportation. Be generous to the needy wayfarer, the homeless son of the street, and the one who reaches you in a destitute condition. Be nice to people who work under your care. Allah does not love the proud and boastful.” [Quran; 4:36]

“…And whatever you spend of good – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.” [Qur’an; 2: 272]

 

Hadith

Prophet said: “Charity does not decrease wealth.” [Muslim]

The Messenger of Allah is reported to have said: “Protect yourself from the Hell-fire even by giving a piece of a date as charity.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

“None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [Tirmidhi]

 

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Islam teaches us not only to be interested in our own success but to also be concerned about the success and well-being of those around us. This is in contrast to the modern day attitude of approaching endeavors with the what’s-in-it-for-me (WIIFM) attitude–only being concerned about the benefit to one’s own self.

 

Further Reading

The Generosity of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Story about ‘The Companions of the Garden’ revealed in the Qur’an Surah Al-Qalam

[Video] The first story revealed in the Qur’an – Surah Al-Qalam by Dr. Yasir Qadhi

10 Qualities of an Emotionally Intelligent Person