8 Rewards of Feeding Others in Islam: A Practice You Must Do As A Muslim

Islam is a religion that emphasizes compassion, kindness, and generosity. One of the most critical ways to demonstrate these values is by feeding others.

In Islam, feeding the hungry is a good deed and a religious obligation. In this article, we will explore the rewards of feeding others in Islam and why it is a practice that all Muslims should strive to do.

1.    The Reward of Feeding The Hungry

In Islam, feeding the hungry is one of the most significant acts of charity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The upper hand is better than the lower hand. The upper hand is the one that gives, and the lower hand is the one that takes." (Sahih Bukhari).

Not only does feeding the hungry fulfill a basic human need, but it also brings immense rewards in the afterlife. In the Quran, Allah says, "And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, saying: 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward nor thanks from you'" (Quran 76:8-9)

2.     The Reward Of Giving Iftar

The reward of giving iftar, or the evening meal to break the fast, to needy persons during the month of Ramadan is highly emphasized in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "He who gives iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the fasting person's reward in the slightest." (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim).

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue and reward of providing for the needs of those who are fasting during Ramadan. It also highlights that giving iftar to someone who is fasting is an act of charity that Allah will reward you for and will not decrease the reward of the fasting person.

3.    The Reward Of Mercy And Forgiveness

Feeding others is not just about fulfilling a physical need but also about showing compassion and mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you." (Sahih Bukhari) In addition, feeding others is also a means of seeking forgiveness from Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The one who looks after and works for a widow and for a poor person is like a warrior fighting for Allah's Cause or like a person who fasts during the day and prays all the night." Narrated Abu Huraira.(Sahih al-Bukhari 6006: Book 78, Hadith 37)

4.    The Reward Of Friendship And Love

Feeding others is also a way to strengthen relationships and build friendships. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "You will not enter paradise until you have faith and you will not have faith until you love one another. Shall I not show you something which if you do, you will love one another? Spread peace between yourselves." (Sahih Muslim).

When we feed others, we show that we care for their well-being, and in turn, this creates a bond of love and friendship.

5.    The Reward Of Charity

In Islam, feeding others is a form of charity. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Every act of goodness is charity." (Sahih Muslim).

Giving charity has many rewards in Islam, including the forgiveness of sins and protection from hellfire. Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, " Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another but that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah but that Allah raises his status."

6.    The Reward Of Achieving Taqwa

Taqwa is the Islamic concept of God-consciousness and righteousness. Feeding others is a way to achieve taqwa, as it involves being mindful of the needs of others and fulfilling them.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The best of you are those who have the most taqwa, and the best of you are those who are best to their families." (Sahih Bukhari) By feeding others, we demonstrate that we are conscious of our obligations to others and are fulfilling them with righteousness.

7.    The Reward Of Achieving Jannah

One of the greatest rewards for feeding others in Islam is the promise of Jannah (paradise). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The one who provides for the food of a fasting person will be rewarded for his fasting and nothing will be decreased from the fasting person's reward." (Sahih Tirmidhi).

This Hadith emphasizes that providing for the needs of those fasting during Ramadan is an act of great virtue and will not decrease the reward of the fasting person.

It highlights that feeding others is an act of charity that Allah will greatly reward and will lead to Jannah (paradise) for the person who performs it.

8.    The Reward Of Achieving Sadaqah Jariyah

Sadaqah Jariyah refers to ongoing charity, such as building a well or a mosque. It also continues to benefit people even after the giver has passed away.

Feeding others is also a form of Sadaqah Jariyah as it provides for the needs of others. It also continues to benefit them even after the giver goes. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "The best of deeds is a word of truth in front of a tyrannical ruler, and giving of charity to a poor person." (Sahih Bukhari)

Conclusion

In conclusion, feeding others in Islam is a practice that is not only a religious obligation but also brings immense reward in this life and the afterlife. From the forgiveness of sins to the promise of Jannah, the rewards of feeding others are numerous.

It is a way to demonstrate compassion, kindness, and generosity and to achieve taqwa, Sadaqah Jariyah, and Jannah. Muslims should strive to make feeding others a regular part of their lives. It is a means to attain the pleasure of Allah and reward in the hereafter.

TL;DR: Feeding others is highly encouraged in Islam and is considered one of the most virtuous acts of kindness. This blog lists 8 rewards of feeding others, including gaining Allah's blessings, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire.