A Little Goes a Long Way

The exhibition of mercy and compassion in this simple act of kindness is displayed by the man simply going out of his way to show those who are less fortunate than him a little bit of generosity. Although the man may not think his actions are unprecedented or extraordinary, the less fortunate man might find great appreciation for it. This truly symbolizes the natural benevolence that is available in the world and expressed through humankind and our ability to relate to others on the general basis of surviving through hardships and struggle. By expressing empathy and saccharine qualities within himself, he is displaying mercy in a way that is common, but often lacking in today’s world. By remembering that Allah is all-merciful and empathetic towards all, we are able to preserve this quality within us when expressing this same empathy towards those around us and especially to those who are less fortunate than us. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, “If anyone relieves a believer from a hardship in this worldly life, God will relieve him from a hardship on the Day of Resurrection. If anyone makes it easy for the one who is indebted to him, God will make it easy for him in this worldly life and in the Hereafter, and if anyone conceals the faults of a believer, God will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. God is in the service of His servant as long as the servant is in the service of his brother.” The Prophet (PBUH) has shown us that Allah SWT has instilled this sense of mercy within us so that we possess the strength in using for a brother or sister in need. When recalling the hadith in which Allah would replace those that are sinless with ones that have sinned and asked repentance, according to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), “The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin”, we are able to witness Allah’s approbation of forgiveness and the idea that we should embrace mercy in all things. By keeping in mind Allah’s favoring towards good deeds, this man was able to take a little time and effort out of his day, not only to uphold the mercy Allah stands for, but to also make the world an overall better place.