Role of Belief in Resurrection Day in Helping Underprivileged
Belief in rewards in the hereafter motivates one to endure hardships because he knows that they would be made up for on the Day of Judgment, which is a day of need.
What other factor indeed can motivate one to sacrifice their wealth and life and abandon worldly desires?
Without the longing for meeting God and His great people, what could motivate one to move on this difficult path?
If there is no reward and punishment, why should one fulfill his responsibilities?
If there is no retribution and justice on the Day of Judgment, what can prevent people from trampling on others’ rights?
If believers endure hardships in this world, it is because they have been given good news by the Quran about what awaits them in the hereafter.
The Holy Quran says: “On the Day of Judgment, the believers will laugh at the disbelievers.” (Verse 34 of Surah Al-Mutaffifin)
If pharaoh’s wife is not deceived by power, wealth and jewelry, it is because she is looking elsewhere: She says: “Lord, establish for me a house in Paradise in your presence. Rescue me from Pharaoh and his deeds and save me from the unjust people.” (Verse 11 of Surah At-Tahrim)
Imam Ali (AS) says that one incurring the greatest loss is the person who is satisfied with this world instead of the next.
The role of having faith in the Resurrection Day in enhancing Taqwa (God-fearing), truthfulness, trustworthiness, etc, is no secret to anyone.
It has been narrated that Imam Hassan (AS) and Imam Hussein (AS), the sons of Hazrat Zahra (SA) and Imam Ali (AS) got ill in childhood.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) came to see them. He loved them very much and on seeing them sick, he was very much grieved. They all prayed for their quick recovery. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) suggested to the parents to keep a Nazr (a vow) for the restoration of the health of the children. So Imam Ali (AS) and Hazrat Zahra (SA) made a Nazr that they would fast three days upon the recovery of the children.
On the first day of fasting, when they heard the Adhan (call to prayers), they prayed and sat to break the fast. Suddenly, a poor man knocked on their door and asked for something to eat. All of them, one by one, passed their loaves of bread to the beggar. There was no other food in the house, so all of them had to be content with water.
On the second day an orphan and on the third day a prisoner came to knock on the door and ask for something to it. They again passed their loaves of bread to the orphan and the prisoner and broke their fast with water.
The reason for this acts of sacrifice can be seen in Surah Al-Insan: “We are afraid of our Lord and the bitterly distressful day.” (Verse 10)
Indeed, believing in the Resurrection Day makes one committed and responsible regarding the destitute and underprivileged in the society. Those who are indifferent to the plight of the poor will acknowledge on the Day of Judgment that one of the reasons for their ending up in hell is this very indifference. “… and we did not feed the needy.” (Verse 44 of Surah Al-Muddaththir) According to Surah Al-Ma’un, too, the reason for being indifferent to orphans and the needy is a lack of faith in the Resurrection Day.
