Give to the near of kin his due, and also to the needy and the wayfarers. Do not squander your wealth wastefully; for those who squander wastefully are Satan’s brothers, and Satan is ever ungrateful to his Lord. And when you must turn away from them – from the destitute, the near of kin, the needy, and the wayfarers – in pursuit of God’s mercy which you expect to receive, then speak to them kindly. (Al-Qur’an – 17:26-28)
Man should not consider his wealth his own only. Instead, after moderately meeting his own needs he should spend it on his relatives, neighbours, and other human beings who stand in need. Man’s social life should also be permeated with a spirit of sympathy and recognition of the rights of others and a spirit of mutual cooperation. Relatives should be especially helpful towards each other. The ‘haves’ should extend to the ‘have-nots’ whatever they may be in a position to provide. The concept of the rights of others should be so pervasive that a person should consider those among whom he lives to have claims against him and his resources.
If a person helps others, he should do so with a feeling that he is merely discharging the obligations he owes them rather than burdening them with a debt of gratitude. And whenever a person is unable to be of any service to some needy, he should seek the latter’s indulgence at his inability to do so, and should pray to God to bless him with the means that will enable him to serve others.