Like most Malaysians, I have been closely following the many news reports on the floods in Penang that led to nearly 2,000 people being evacuated. I read all these with a heavy heart. But I am also touched by reports of how Malaysians of different races and religions have come together to help one another. A surau in Taman Free School there caught the attention of the public after its management opened its doors to non-Muslims in that time of need. The surau sheltered some 60 flood victims when the water level started to rise early that Sunday.
The surau chairman, Zakaria Mydin, said that 20 of the victims who sought shelter there were from an old folks’ home nearby. “We are all human beings and every religion teaches us to help each other in times of need,” he was quoted as saying.
Indeed, he is right. Turning mosques or surau into evacuation centres for flood victims, including non-Muslims, is permitted in Islam, based on Surah al-Mumtahanah verse 8 and an analogy (qiyas) from a hadith on Thumamah bin Uthal. According to Imam al-Nawawi, it is permissible for a non-Muslim to enter a mosque if he has a valid need and by permission of Muslims.
Surely, rational and God-fearing Muslims will agree that they must help non-Muslims who are in need of shelter, especially when their lives are at risk.
One of the central principles of Islam is helping others. The Holy Quran and especially the Traditions (Hadith) of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) have highlighted the fact that helping other people is fundamental in Islam.
The primary life goal of Muslims is to worship Allah and this is achieved not only through ritual practices, like prayers and fasting, but also through doing good deeds.
The families and individuals who have been affected by the floods, regardless of their faith, are in great need of help, and to neglect them would go against the command of Allah and the Traditions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Muslims are encouraged to practise kindness and justice to everyone regardless of their religion, race and skin colour. We are all humans and part of Allah’s creations, so all of us deserve equal respect and compassion.
It reads in the Quran: “Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and equitably with those who did not fight you because of your faith and did not drive you out of your homes. God loves those who act justly.” (Quran 60:8) Abu Hurayrah, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) reported: “The Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whosoever relieves a worldly grief of a believer, Allah will relieve his grief on the Day of Judgment. Whosoever eases someone in difficulty, Allah will ease his in the world and the Hereafter. Whosoever covers a disgrace of a Muslim, Allah will cover his in this world and the Hereafter. Allah will always aid a person so long as the person aids his brother.” (Sahih Muslim, no. 2699)
Prophet Muhammad is considered by Muslims to be a most excellent example. He would help others at any time, even if it meant that he had to sacrifice his own benefit.
The life and manners of the Prophet present the finest example of every aspect of our lives, especially in helping and supporting those in need. Based on his example, helping others in society is a core principle that is upheld by Islam.
Someone had asked me whether to give alms (zakat) to the flood victims is allowed in Islam. My answer is: definitely yes, because it is permitted in Islam. It is based on the classifications of the indebted (al-Gharimin) by Mujahid and Islamic verdicts (fatwa) by Imam al-‘Azim al-Abadi, Shaykh Dr Yusuf al-Qaradawi and other outstanding Muslim scholars.
May Allah relieve their difficulties, reward their determination, and grant them peace and comfort. May Allah help us to help others so that we can fulfil the role that Allah has mandated to us, which is to be the Caliph of the Earth.
Islam has always upheld the principles of compassion, forgiveness and tolerance. Let no one tell Muslims that it is a sin to help another human being of another faith or skin colour because we are all creations of Allah.
May Allah grant us the best in this life and the Hereafter, Ameen!
By Datuk Dr Zulkifli Mohamad Al-Bakri
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