Serving the People; A Path Towards Allah’s Satisfaction
Serving humanity is one of the greatest acts of worship and a practical manifestation of faith. The Holy Quran and the Prophetic Hadiths strongly emphasize the importance of this benevolent act. However, unfortunately, this valuable tradition is less observed among contemporary Muslims, while our righteous predecessors and religious leaders were outstanding role models in this path.
An Outstanding Example of True Service
One prominent example of this service is the story of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (MABH). Both during and before his caliphate, he was deeply committed to serving the needy and considered this action one of his obligatory moral responsibilities. It is narrated that in Medina, there lived a blind old woman. Hazrat Umar (MABH) used to serve her at night, bringing her water and food and meeting her needs. However, more often than not, someone else had already performed this service before he arrived.
Hazrat Umar (MABH) tried to arrive earlier to outdo the others in serving, but he still found that someone else had done it before him. One night, he hid to discover who this person was. Indeed! He found that the individual was none other than Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (MABH), even while he was the Caliph of the Muslims at that time!
Another example of Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (MABH) service was milking the goats of orphaned families. After being elected as Caliph, a girl from one of those families said to him, “From now on, you will not milk our goats.” He replied, “By Allah! My new responsibilities will not prevent me from the good deeds of the past.” He continued to milk the goats of that family and kindly asked the children, “أرغي لك أو أصرح؟” which means, “Shall I make froth for you with the milk or not?” This service continued for six months in the village of Sunh and ended only with Hazrat Abu Bakr’s transfer to Medina.
The way the first caliph of Muslims, the companion in the cave of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), served provides a significant message for rulers and leaders of Islamic governments. A leader should be a compassionate father figure, concerned with fulfilling the needs of his people. Just as a father thinks about the well-being and comfort of his children, a prince or ruler should strive to create ease and comfort while addressing both material and spiritual needs, paying special attention to the poor, orphans, and the helpless.
Methods and Aspects of Service
Serving the creation of Allah has numerous methods and aspects that cannot be limited to just a few. This service can be provided in various forms, and each social group, according to its duties and responsibilities, can play an effective role in this path. Below, some of the most important aspects of service are outlined:
1. The Service of Scholars and People of Knowledge to the Creation of Allah
People of knowledge and scholars have a heavy responsibility towards the people. This responsibility is not merely an ordinary duty; it is tied to the spiritual, faith-based, and even worldly salvation of the people. Scholars, who are the heirs of the prophets, must, after reforming themselves, set about reforming society and developing systematic programs for educating and guiding the people. Negligence in this duty will have serious and dire consequences.
Below, we briefly present some of the major and fundamental services of scholars to the people:
a) Construction of Religious Schools and Academic Centers
Building religious schools is one of the greatest services to the people. These schools are established for the aim of educating and training children, purifying souls, and solving the religious problems of the community. Graduates of these schools, as reformers of society, familiarize people with religious and faith-based teachings and pave the way for success in both this world and the hereafter.
b) Establishing Outreach Centers
Scholars have rendered significant services to the people by establishing outreach centers. These centers operate as propagation hubs in various countries and have guided millions from misguidance to the light of Islam.
c) Service Through Mosques and Pulpits
Another method of service by scholars is through mosques and pulpits. Leading people in performing the five daily prayers, delivering Friday sermons, and organizing reformative and educational programs are prominent examples of this service.
d) Establishing and Expanding Jihadist Bases
Another responsibility of scholars is to guide people in Jihad against oppression, corruption, and tyranny. History has shown that leading Jihad and fighting disbelief has often been the responsibility of scholars.
2. Service of Merchants and Professionals to the Creation of Allah
In Islam, trade, aside from earning a lawful livelihood, is a means of fulfilling the material needs of people. Merchants are servants of Allah’s creation and must provide ease to the people by observing fairness and justice. Unfortunately, in the present era, some merchants focus solely on their own profit and remain oblivious to the problems of the people. Such behaviors, besides having worldly ramifications, will be questioned by Allah in the Hereafter.
3. Service of Rulers and Politicians to the People
Rulers and politicians have fundamental responsibilities towards the people, including:
– Ensuring security and maintaining justice.
– Providing public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
– Promoting economic development and reducing corruption.
– Protecting the rights of citizens.
Leaders should strive to meet the needs of the people and resolve their problems, embodying the role of compassionate fathers.
Summary
Serving Allah’s creation—whether through religious education and guidance, fulfilling material needs, or upholding security and justice—is among the greatest forms of worship and a path to attaining divine pleasure. Every individual, according to their position and ability, should strive along this path. Religious scholars, merchants, and politicians each have specific responsibilities in this regard, and their actions play a vital role in social cohesion and the ultimate spiritual well-being of society.
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