It is obvious that this principle applies indiscriminately...

It is obvious that this principle applies indiscriminately in material as well as spiritual matters; it also applies equally in natural and supernatural conditions because Allāh has made it collectively binding and nobody can claim exception, because a Qur’ānic injunction cannot be limited by khabar wāhid (a single saying) or analogical reasoning.

Therefore, if anyone tries to restrict it conditionally or by the logic of compromise and expediency, he is undoubtedly indulging in an act that clashes with the divine intention. The injunction for mutual cooperation is one of the basic components of Islamic teaching and is supported by a number of Qur’ānic verses and traditions.

It proves without reservation that the person whose help is being craved must assist the person who is craving his help; he should respond to the appeal for help and try to alleviate the suffering of his fellow beings. The Qur’ān has furnished in different contexts a number of justifications for beseeching the prophets and saints for help.

It is as valid to beseech the holy Prophet*(Peace Be Upon Him and His Household)* for help as the act of a Qibtī who beseeched Mūsā*(Peace Be Upon Him)* for help against the excesses of a tyrant. In response to his appeal, Mūsā*(Peace Be Upon Him)* extended help to him and relieved his misery. Who could be a greater source for the validation of this act than the prophets themselves whose primary mission was to disseminate the message of divine unity throughout the world!

Allāh has not pronounced anyone of them, Qibtī and the prophet, as a disbeliever on account of this act of beseeching help from others. Allāh says: So the person who was of his very community sought his help against another person who was from among his foes. [2] The Qur’ān has also described at various junctures that the believers from former communities beseeched their prophets and saints for help.

It is similarly applicable to the followers of the holy Prophet*(Peace Be Upon Him and His Household)* and is clearly reflected in the practice of the . A number of traditions support the validity of this act. These traditions focus on extending help to the needy and alleviating the problems of the less fortunate.

Istighāthah - In the light of traditions and the practice of the To support someone in his hour of trouble and to commiserate with him in his moment of agony is to fortify the relationship steeped in love.