The Virtue of Feeding Others- Islam places great importance on good character. One of its finest expressions is feeding others.
Feeding the hungry, honouring guests, and fulfilling the needs of Allah’s servants not only strengthen social bonds but also become a means of attaining immense reward in the Hereafter.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ greatly encouraged this noble practice, and the Companions were among those who excelled in it.
The great hadith scholar Imam al-Tabarani رحمه الله highlighted the status and virtues of feeding others, as well as its importance in developing true Islamic character, in his hadith collection.
Translated from Makarim al-Akhlaq by Imam al-Tabarani رحمه الله.
Darus Saadat — Translation and Publication
بَابُ فَضْلِ إِطْعَامِ الطَّعَامِ
Chapter: The Virtue of Feeding Others
The Advice of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ
Narration: 153
Hazrat Abdullah ibn Salam (ra) said: When the Messenger of Allah ﷺ arrived in Madinah, people hurried to see him.
When I looked at the face of the Prophet ﷺ, I immediately realised that this was not the face of a liar. The first words I heard from him were:
أَطْعِمُوا الطَّعَامَ، وَأَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ، وَصِلُوا الْأَرْحَامَ، وَصَلُّوا وَالنَّاسُ نِيَامٌ، تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ بِسَلَامٍ
“O people! Feed others, spread السلام, maintain ties of kinship, and pray at night while people are asleep. Then you will enter Paradise in peace.”
An Easy Deed
Narration: 154
Hazrat Ubadah ibn al-Samit (ra) narrated that a man came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What is the best form of faith?”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ، وَتَصْدِيقٌ بِهِ، وَجِهَادٌ فِي سَبِيلِهِ، وَحَجٌّ مَبْرُورٌ» ، فَلَمَّا وَلَّى دَعَاهُ، فَقَالَ: «وَأَهْوَنُ مِنْ ذَلِكَ إِطْعَامُ الطَّعَامِ، وَلِينُ الْكَلَامِ
“Faith in Allah, affirming His truth, striving in His path, and an accepted Hajj.”
As the man was leaving, the Prophet ﷺ called him back and said:
“Easier than all of that is feeding others and speaking gently.”
Lesson
This hadith shows that alongside great acts of worship, even simple deeds can be extremely valuable in the sight of Allah.
Feeding people and speaking with kindness are simple acts, yet they win people’s hearts and become a means of attaining the pleasure of Allah.
What Is Islam?
Narration: 155
Hazrat Amr ibn Abasah al-Sulami (ra) narrated that he asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, “What is Islam?”
He ﷺ replied:
إِطْعَامُ الطَّعَامِ، وَلِينُ الْكَلَامِ
“Feeding others and speaking gently.”
I then asked, “What is faith?”
He ﷺ replied:
الصَّبْرُ وَالسَّمَاحَةُ
“Patience and generosity.”
Lesson
This hadith teaches us that the beauty of Islam is reflected in benefiting others and treating people with good manners.
Feeding the hungry and speaking kindly to everyone are among the noble qualities of a Muslim. True faith is also demonstrated through patience during hardship and generosity and forgiveness towards others.
The Best Among You Is the One Who Feeds Others
Narration: 156
Hazrat Suhayb ibn Sinan (ra) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say:
خِيَارُكُمْ مَنْ أَطْعَمَ الطَّعَامَ
“The best among you is the one who feeds others.”
Lesson
This hadith shows that benefiting people and feeding the hungry are noble deeds. Whoever feeds others for the sake of Allah becomes beloved to people and is regarded as one of the best servants of Allah.
A Means of Attaining Allah’s Forgiveness
Narration: 157
Hazrat Jabir (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
مِنْ مُوجِبَاتِ الْمَغْفِرَةِ: إِطْعَامُ الْمُسْلِمِ السَّغْبَانِ
“Among the deeds that bring about forgiveness is feeding a hungry Muslim.”
Allah the Exalted says:
فِي يَوْمٍ ذِي مَسْغَبَةٍ
“Or feeding on a day of severe hunger.” — Surah al-Balad, verse 14
Narration: 158
Hazrat Miqdam ibn Shurayh (rah) narrated from his father, who narrated from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
إِنَّ مِنْ مُوجِبَاتِ الْمَغْفِرَةِ: إِطْعَامَ الطَّعَامِ وَبَذْلَ السَّلَامِ
“Among the deeds that bring about forgiveness are feeding others and spreading السلام.”
Lesson
These hadiths and the Qur’anic verse show that feeding hungry people is greatly beloved to Allah and is a means of having one’s sins forgiven.
Helping people during times of poverty and famine is especially virtuous. Therefore, every believer should assist the hungry according to their ability.
Protection from Hellfire
Narration: 159
Hazrat Abdullah ibn Amr (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
Whoever feeds his Muslim brother until he is satisfied and gives him water until his thirst is quenched, Allah the Exalted will place between that person and Hell seven trenches, with a distance of one hundred years between each trench.
As Long as the Dining Spread Remains Laid
Narration: 160
Hazrat Aishah (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
«لَا تَزَالُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ تُصَلِّي عَلَى الرَّجُلِ مَا دَامَتْ مَائِدَتُهُ مَوْضُوعَةً»
“As long as a person’s dining spread remains laid out, the angels continue to pray for his forgiveness.”
Lesson
This hadith highlights the virtue of hospitality and feeding others. A person who arranges food for others receives the prayers of the angels. Therefore, welcoming guests and sharing food with others are acts filled with blessings and mercy.
The Food Most Beloved to Allah
Narration: 161
Hazrat Jabir (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
أَحَبُّ الطَّعَامِ إِلَى اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ مَا كَثُرَتْ عَلَيْهِ الْأَيْدِي
“The food most beloved to Allah Almighty is that which is shared by many hands.”
Lesson
This hadith teaches us to eat together and share food with others. When more people share a meal, love, brotherhood, and blessings increase.
Therefore, rather than eating alone, it is better to share food with family, relatives, and those in need.
The Blessing of Guests
Narration: 162
Hazrat Aishah (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
الْخَيْرُ أَسْرَعُ إِلَى الْبَيْتِ الَّذِي يُغْشَى مِنَ الشَّفْرَةِ إِلَى سَنَامِ الْبَعِيرِ
“Goodness enters a house that receives guests faster than a knife reaches the hump of a camel.”
Lesson
This hadith highlights the importance and virtue of hospitality. A home in which guests are welcomed and honoured is quickly filled with mercy, blessings, and goodness.
Therefore, welcoming and serving guests sincerely is among the beautiful teachings of Islam.
Whoever Relieves His Muslim Brother’s Hunger
Narration: 163
Hazrat Anas (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
مَنِ اهْتَمَّ لِجَوْعَةِ أَخِيهِ الْمُسْلِمِ فَأَطْعَمَهُ حَتَّى يَشْبَعَ غُفِرَ لَهُ
“Whoever cares about the hunger of his Muslim brother and feeds him until he is satisfied will be forgiven by Allah.”
Whoever Feeds a Hungry Person
Narration: 164
Hazrat Jabir ibn Abdullah (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
مَنْ أَطْعَمَ الْجَائِعَ أَظَلَّهُ اللَّهُ فِي ظِلِّ عَرْشِهِ
“Whoever feeds a hungry person, Allah will grant him shade beneath the shade of His Throne.”
Lesson
This hadith shows that feeding the hungry is an act of immense honour. Those who relieve the suffering of others and help the needy will receive special mercy and protection from Allah on the difficult Day of Judgement.
Allah Loves the One Who Relieves a Hungry Soul
Narration: 165
Zarbi Abu Yahya said: I heard Hazrat Anas (ra) narrate that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يُحِبُّ عَبْدًا بَرَّدَ كَبِدًا جَائِعَةً
“Indeed, Allah Almighty loves a servant who relieves the suffering of a hungry soul.”
Lesson
This hadith teaches us that relieving the hunger and suffering of others is greatly beloved to Allah. Whoever helps fulfil people’s needs and brings them comfort earns the love of Allah.
Feeding Someone Something Sweet
Narration: 166
Hazrat Anas (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
مَنْ لَقَّمَ أَخَاهُ لُقْمَةً حُلْوًا صَرْفَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ مَرَارَةَ الْمَوْقِفِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ
“Whoever gives his Muslim brother a sweet morsel, Allah will remove from him the hardship of standing on the Day of Resurrection.”
Lesson
Sweet food (حُلْوًا) is specifically mentioned here because it is often associated with joy, love, and hospitality.
The purpose of the hadith is to encourage making others happy, hosting them sincerely, and strengthening love between people. Even offering someone a small sweet treat can carry great reward and virtue.
Transparent Mansions in Paradise
Narration: 167
Hazrat Abdullah ibn Amr (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
إِنَّ فِي الْجَنَّةِ غُرُفًا يُرَى ظَاهِرُهَا مِنْ بَاطِنِهَا، وَبَاطِنُهَا مِنْ ظَاهِرِهَا
“Indeed, there are chambers in Paradise whose exterior can be seen from their interior, and whose interior can be seen from their exterior.”
The Companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah! For whom are they?”
He ﷺ replied:
لِمَنْ أَطَابَ الْكَلَامَ، وَأَطْعَمَ الطَّعَامَ، وَبَاتَ قَائِمًا وَالنَّاسُ نِيَامٌ
“They are for the one who speaks good words, feeds others, and stands in prayer at night while people are asleep.”
A Deed Comparable to Hajj
Narration: 168
Hazrat Jabir (ra) narrated that someone asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, “What deeds carry reward similar to Hajj?”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ replied:
إِطْعَامُ الطَّعَامِ، وَلِينُ الْكَلَامِ
“Feeding others and speaking gently.”
A Deed Better Than Charity
Narration: 169
Hazrat Budayl (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
أَنْ أَطْعِمَ أَخَا لِي فِي اللَّهِ لُقْمَةً أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ أَنْ أَتَصَدَّقَ بِعَشَرَةِ دَرَاهِمَ، وَلَأَنْ أُعْطِيَهُ عَشَرَةَ دَرَاهِمَ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ أَنْ أَعْتِقَ رَقَبَةً
“To feed a morsel to my brother for the sake of Allah is more beloved to me than giving ten dirhams in charity. And giving him ten dirhams is more beloved to me than freeing a slave.”
How One Finds Allah’s Reward
Narration: 170
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said that Allah the Exalted will say on the Day of Judgement:
“O son of Adam, I was ill, but you did not visit Me.”
The servant will say, “My Lord, how could I visit You when You are the Lord of the worlds?”
Allah will say, “Did you not know that My servant so-and-so was ill, yet you did not visit him? Had you visited him, you would have found Me with him.”
Allah will then say:
“O son of Adam, I asked you for food, but you did not feed Me.”
The servant will say, “My Lord, how could I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds?”
Allah will say, “My servant so-and-so asked you for food, but you did not feed him. Had you fed him, you would have found its reward with Me.”
Allah will then say:
“O son of Adam, I asked you for a drink, but you did not give Me water.”
The servant will say, “My Lord, how could I give You a drink when You are the Lord of the worlds?”
Allah will say, “My servant so-and-so asked you for a drink, but you did not give him water. Had you given him water, you would have found its reward with Me.”
Lesson
This hadith teaches us the importance of serving and helping people. Caring for the sick, feeding the hungry, and giving water to the thirsty are deeds greatly beloved to Allah.
Whoever stands beside people in their time of need earns the pleasure of Allah and a tremendous reward.
Hazrat Ali (ra)’s Preferred Deed
Narration: 171
Hazrat Ali (ra) said:
“Feeding one sa‘ of food to my companions is more beloved to me than going to the market, buying a slave woman, and then setting her free.”
The Compassion of Hazrat Husayn (ra) for the Poor
Narration: 172
Hazrat Yunus ibn Amr narrated from his father that the wife of Hazrat Husayn (ra) sent him a message saying:
“I have prepared delicious food and perfume for you. Find people of your own standing and bring them with you.”
Hazrat Husayn (ra) went to the mosque and brought home the poor and beggars who were there.
The neighbouring women came to his wife and said, “By Allah! Your house has become filled with poor people.”
Hazrat Husayn (ra) went to his wife and said, “I adjure you by the right that I have over you: do not keep back any of the food or perfume.”
His wife did as he instructed. Hazrat Husayn (ra) first fed the poor, clothed them, and then applied perfume to them.
Lesson
This incident shows how compassionate righteous people were towards the poor and needy. They did not merely provide food; they also treated them with honour, clothing, and dignity.
We learn that treating those in need with love and respect is a noble act.
The Humility and Generosity of Ali ibn al-Husayn (rah)
Narration: 173
Hazrat Ismail ibn Abi Khalid said that Ali ibn al-Husayn (rah) was riding past some poor people who were eating leftover food.
He greeted them with السلام. They invited him to join them for a meal. He recited the following verse:
لِلَّذِينَ لَا يُرِيدُونَ عُلُوًّا فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فَسَادًا
“For those who do not seek superiority on earth or corruption.” — Surah al-Qasas, verse 83
He then dismounted and ate with them. Afterwards, he said:
“I have accepted your invitation; now you should accept mine.”
He then took them to his home, fed them, and gave them clothing and dirhams.
Lesson
This incident teaches us that truly righteous people are free from arrogance and do not look down upon the poor and needy.
Ali ibn al-Husayn (rah) humbly accepted their invitation, sat and ate with them, and later helped them as well.
It shows that humility, compassion, and honouring those in need are important teachings of Islam.
A Generous Dining Spread and Beautiful Speech
Narration: 174
Hazrat Amr ibn Dinar said:
كَانَ ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ ضَخْمَ الْقِطْعَةِ، حَسَنَ الْحَدِيثِ
“Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) had a generous dining spread and beautiful speech.”
Lesson
This narration shows that Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) was highly hospitable and well-mannered. He generously fed people and spoke to everyone with kindness.
It teaches us that generosity and good character increase a person’s honour and dignity.
The Large Piece of Rock Candy
Narration: 175
Hazrat Umar ibn Abi Bakr al-Qurashi narrated that a huge piece of rock candy was prepared for the pilgrims. It was so large that it could not even be loaded onto a four-legged animal.
It was eventually transported on a cart to Caliph Abd al-Malik. He came outside, saw its enormous size, and was astonished.
However, he could not decide what to do with it. After thinking for some time, he called his servant and said, “Take it to Hazrat Ja‘far.”
Hazrat Ja‘far was present with the Caliph at the time. When the huge piece of rock candy was brought to him, he was astonished, and people gathered to see it.
He asked, “What is this?”
He was told, “It is a piece of rock candy that the Caliph has sent to you.”
He went outside and saw something unlike anything people had seen before. After thinking for some time, he told his servant to bring leather sheets and an axe.
The leather sheets were spread out, and tools were brought to break the candy.
Hazrat Ja‘far (rah) said, “Whatever anyone takes from it belongs to him.”
He stood there while the entire piece was broken and distributed among the people.
When news of this reached the Caliph, he was astonished and said, “He understands this matter better than we do.”
Lesson
This incident teaches us that righteous and wise people did not hoard valuable worldly possessions for themselves. Instead, they spent them for the benefit of others.
Hazrat Ja‘far (rah) did not keep the enormous piece of rock candy for himself; he distributed it among the people. This teaches generosity, charity, and the beauty of sharing Allah’s blessings.
Whoever Wishes to Eat Meat
Narration: 176
Hazrat Hisham ibn Urwah (rah) narrated from his father:
“I visited Hazrat Sa‘d ibn Ubadah (ra). A caller was announcing among the people: ‘Whoever wishes to eat meat and fat should come to the house of Sa‘d ibn Ubadah.’”
Later, I met his son Qays, who was making the same announcement.
Hazrat Sa‘d ibn Ubadah (ra) regularly made the following supplication:
اللَّهُمَّ هَبْ لِي حَمْدًا، وَهَبْ لِي مَجْدًا، لَا مَجْدَ إِلَّا بِفِعَالٍ، وَلَا فِعَالَ إِلَّا بِمَالٍ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّهُ لَا يَصْلُحُ لِي الْقَلِيلُ، وَلَا أَصْلُحُ عَلَيْهِ
“O Allah! Grant me praise and honour. There is no true honour except through good deeds, and good deeds require wealth. O Allah! A little wealth is not sufficient for me, nor can I accomplish what I should with it.”
Lesson
This incident shows that the Companions placed great importance on hospitality and generosity. They arranged food for people and asked Allah for wealth that could be spent on good deeds and helping others.
The true value of wealth lies in using it for the sake of Allah and for the benefit of people.
Ibn Umar (ra) Gives to a Beggar
Narration: 177
Hazrat Nafi‘ (rah) said that Hazrat Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) used to fast, and Hazrat Safiyyah bint Ubayd would prepare something for his iftar.
One day, some high-quality pomegranates were brought to him. At that moment, a beggar came to the door asking for something.
Ibn Umar (ra) said, “Give them to him.”
Hazrat Safiyyah said, “There is something better for him.”
She then told me, “Give him such-and-such an item.”
When the pomegranates were brought back to Ibn Umar (ra), he said, “Give them to another beggar. I have intended them as charity.”
Lesson
This incident teaches us that giving one’s best possessions for the sake of Allah is a quality of the righteous. They would even give away food they personally liked to the poor.
True charity means sincerely giving up something beloved for the sake of Allah.
Ibn Umar (ra) Gives Away Grapes
Narration: 178
Hazrat Nafi‘ (rah) said:
Once, when Hazrat Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) was ill, I bought grapes worth one dirham for him.
When the grapes were placed before him, a beggar came and asked for something.
Ibn Umar (ra) said, “Give them to him.”
I then sent someone after the beggar to buy the grapes back from him without Ibn Umar (ra) knowing.
When the grapes were placed before him a second time, the same beggar appeared again.
Ibn Umar (ra) said, “Give them to him.”
This happened three times. Each time, the grapes were bought back from the beggar and placed before Ibn Umar (ra), but he instructed that they be given to the beggar.
Eventually, people prevented the beggar from returning so that Ibn Umar (ra) would not know.
Prophet Isa (as) Feeds Others
Narration: 179
Hazrat Khaythamah (rah) said that Prophet Isa (as) called several of his disciples, fed them, and said:
“Treat the righteous and devoted people in this manner.”
Welcoming Guests and Keeping Food Ready for Them
Narration: 180
Hazrat Abu Qabisah said that Hazrat Khaythamah (rah) always kept a basket of khabees—a sweet dish made from dates and ghee—beneath his bed.
Whenever a reciter of the Qur’an came to him, he would offer some of it as hospitality.
The Hospitality of Ibn Sirin (rah)
Narration: 181
Hazrat Ibn Awn (rah) said:
“Whenever we visited Hazrat Sirin (rah), he would offer us khabees and falooda.”
Serving Honey
Narration: 182
Hazrat Abu Khaldah said:
We visited Hazrat Sirin (rah), and he said, “I do not know what I should offer you. Bread and meat are available in all of your homes.”
He then called his servant and asked for honey. Afterwards, he personally poured and served the honey to us.
The Hospitality of Umm al-Darda (ra)
Narration: 183
Hazrat Ibrahim ibn Abi Ablah said:
We used to visit Hazrat Umm al-Darda (ra) at Bab al-Asbat in Bayt al-Maqdis, and she would narrate hadith to us.
Whenever we prepared to leave, she would arrange for halwa and various types of food to be brought for us.
Sweet Food
Narration: 184
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
إِذَا عُرِضَتْ عَلَى أَحَدِكُمُ الْحَلْوَاءُ فَلْيُصِبْ مِنْهَا، وَإِذَا عُرِضَ عَلَيْهِ الطِّيبُ فَلْيُصِبْ مِنْهِ
“When sweet food is offered to any of you, let him take some of it. And when perfume is offered to him, let him take some of it.”
Lesson
This hadith teaches us courtesy and good manners. When someone lovingly offers sweet food or perfume, it is good to accept it.
Such gestures strengthen mutual love, respect, and affection.
The Household of Abbas (ra)
Narration: 185
Hazrat Abdullah ibn Ibrahim al-Jumahi narrated from his father:
A Bedouin entered the house of Hazrat Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib (ra).
On one side of the house, Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas (ra) was giving fatwas. Whatever people asked him, he answered.
On the other side, his brother Ubaydullah ibn Abbas (ra) was feeding every visitor.
Seeing this, the Bedouin said:
“Whoever wishes to witness the goodness of this world and the Hereafter should certainly come to the house of Abbas (ra).”
For they provided answers to people’s questions, solved their problems, taught them the understanding and knowledge of the religion, and also fed them.
The Generosity of Ubaydullah ibn Abbas (ra)
Narration: 186
Hazrat Zubayr (ra) said that Hazrat Ubaydullah ibn Abbas (ra) would slaughter sacrificial animals and distribute the meat among the people at the place of slaughter.
Because of this, that location in the market of Makkah became known as “the place where Ibn Abbas (ra) slaughtered sacrificial animals.”
Slaughtering a Camel Every Day
Narration: 187
Hazrat Ali ibn Muhammad al-Mada’ini said:
Every day, a camel—or several goats equal to its amount of meat—would be slaughtered for Hazrat Ubaydullah ibn Abbas (ra).
Lesson
This narration shows that he was an extremely generous and hospitable person. He spent generously on feeding and serving people.
It teaches us that spending the blessings Allah has given us for the benefit of others is a sign of excellent character.
The Generosity of Ubaydullah (ra)
Narration: 188
Hazrat Aban ibn Uthman (rah) said:
A man once intended to embarrass Hazrat Ubaydullah ibn Abbas (ra). He went among the people and announced:
“Ubaydullah ibn Abbas (ra) has invited you and said, ‘Come and have lunch at my house today.’”
Hearing this, people eagerly began arriving at his home until the house became full.
Hazrat Ubaydullah ibn Abbas (ra) asked, “What has happened to the people?”
He was told, “Someone claiming to be your messenger came and invited them.”
He immediately understood what had happened and said, “Close the doors.”
Then he instructed his servants, “Bring all the fruits available in the market.”
The people ate fruit with honey. He then instructed some servants to bring roasted meat and bread.
When the bread and meat were brought, they were served to the people.
After they had finished eating, he asked, “Have I fulfilled what I intended?”
They replied, “Yes.”
He then said, “Even if more people come, I have no concern.”
Returning a Borrowed Pot Filled
Narration: 189
Hazrat al-Sha‘bi (rah) said:
Hazrat al-Ash‘ath ibn Qays sent someone to Hazrat Adi ibn Hatim (ra) to borrow a cooking pot.
Hazrat Adi ibn Hatim (ra) said to his servant, “Fill the pot.”
The filled pot was then sent to al-Ash‘ath ibn Qays.
He returned it and said, “I had only asked for an empty pot.”
Hazrat Adi ibn Hatim (ra) sent it back again with the message:
“I do not lend out empty pots.”
There Are Three People Whose Debts I Cannot Repay
Narration: 190
Hazrat Ibn Abbas (ra) said:
“There are three people whose favours I can never fully repay, and there is a fourth person whose need Allah may fulfil through me.
The first is the person who makes space for me in a gathering.
The second is the person who gives me water when I am severely thirsty.
The third is the person whose footsteps make the path to my door dusty through frequent visits.
And the fourth is the person whose need Allah enables me to fulfil.
He is the person who has a need and spends the entire night wondering who will fulfil it for him.
Then, when morning comes, he finds me as the one who fulfils his need.
This is the person whose need Allah may fulfil through me.
And I feel ashamed that someone should come to my home three times for a need and I still do not help him.”
Conclusion
Feeding others is one of the most important righteous deeds in Islam. The Qur’an and Hadith repeatedly encourage Muslims to feed the hungry, honour guests, care for the poor and needy, and treat people with kindness and gentleness.
In the lives of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Companions, and the righteous predecessors, we see that they often gave priority to the needs of others over their own and sincerely fed and served people.
Feeding others can become a means of attaining Allah’s love, forgiveness of sins, glad tidings of Paradise, and protection on the Day of Judgement. It also strengthens love, brotherhood, compassion, and social harmony among people.
Therefore, every Muslim should, according to their ability, feed the hungry, honour guests, care for relatives, and help those in need—regarding this noble act as a great form of worship.
👉 also read The Qualities of a Believer According to Hadith
