Caring for Widows and People in Need

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"The one who looks after a widow or a needy person is like one who performs Jihad in the cause of Allah, or one who regularly observes voluntary prayer at night and fasting during the day."

Sahih al-Bukhari 5661, via the Encyclopedia of Translated Prophetic Hadiths

The hadith describes care as work: learning what someone needs, providing for them, and continuing to seek Allah's reward through that effort.

Start by listening

Ask what would ease the person's immediate pressure. Respect their privacy and the choices they make. If a direct conversation is difficult, confirm the details through someone trustworthy.

The need might be food, housing, medicine, education, or another pressing expense. Let the person describe their situation before deciding what help to offer.

Offer support you can keep up

A one-off gift may ease an urgent cost. Regular support may suit an expense that returns each month. Choose an amount and schedule that fit your own responsibilities, then keep the commitment.

When giving through an organisation, ask how it identifies a need, protects personal information, and accounts for the money. Those answers should be clear before you give.

The hadith honours the person who takes responsibility for this care and keeps doing the work for Allah's pleasure.

If you would like to give through Ruhama, you can use the giving form.