It is an irony of fate that we have abandoned such spiritual...

It is an irony of fate that we have abandoned such spiritual teachings and golden principles and drifting with the current of non-cooperation and selfishness which are undoubtedly the gift of un-Islamic societies. Let us keep in mind that this trend is a violation of Islamic ideology, and Muslims should never turn deaf ears to the hardships and problems of their fellow-Muslims.

The Holy Prophet said: One who starts his day without caring (about) the affairs of the Muslims, is not a Muslim.[^5] Al-Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said: The best amongst you are those who are generous and the worst are the misers; one of the most desired deeds is to do good to Muslim brethren and try to fulfil their needs. This deed weakens Satan, safeguards against the Fire (of Hell) and leads one to Paradise.[^6] A man approached the Holy Prophet of Islam and complained of hunger.

The Holy Prophet sent someone to the houses of his families but, unfortunately, none of the families had any food. The Holy Prophet then turned to those who were in his presence and asked, "Who can host this man tonight?" al-Imam `Ali (a.s.) offered his services, took his hand and left for his house.

Then he asked his wife, Sayyidah Fatimah (a.s.), "What food do we have?" She replied, "A little provision enough for children only." `Ali (a.s.) told her, "The guest must be considered first before ourselves and the children." Fatimah (a.s.) had to make a great effort to put her children to sleep since they were hungry.

`Ali (a.s.) offered the guest whatever he had, and, pretending to set the lamp right, put it out; he invited the guest to the food in the darkness of the room and himself sat there pretending he was also eating, though, in fact, he did not take a single morsel. 'Ali, Fatimah and their children fed the guest for the pleasure of Allah and remained hungry themselves. Allah praises their sacrifice in these words: . . .

And they give (others) preference over themselves, even though poverty be their own lot . . . (Qur'an, 59:9) Of course, this type of self-denial is not possible for every one; and only a man like 'Ali (a.s.) could perform such deeds. Islam, therefore, does not compel its followers to do similar deeds. What actually Islam has made compulsory is brotherhood and cooperation, which means that a Muslim must help his Muslim brother if he is in hardship and trouble.

A part of his resources should be reserved for the benefit of needy persons.