“On the authority of Abu Huraira who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him said), “Every small bone of everyone has upon it a charitable act for everyday upon which the sun rises. Bringing about justice between two is an act of charity. Helping a man get on his mount, lifting him onto it or helping him put his belongings onto it, is a charitable act. A good word is a charitable act. Every step you take toward the prayer is a charitable act. And removing a harmful thing from the path is a charitable act.” (Recorded in al-Bukhari and Muslim)
“Bringing about justice between two is an act of charity.”
This part of the hadith shows us that bringing two people who are in conflict together, and making peace and reconciliation between them is considered an act of charity in Islam. Allah (swt) commands us in the Qur’an to reconcile the hearts of the believers:
“So fear Allah and make reconciliation among yourselves” (Surah al-Anfaal:1)
“The believers are nothing else other than brothers. So make reconciliation between them and have fear of Allah, such that you may attain mercy” (Surah al-Hujuraat:10)
Making things right between two people brings about peace, harmony and love and this has wider blessings for society as a whole. From a Shareeah point of view, this goal of bringing harmony is so important that it is one of the few areas in which any form of lying, with the intention of bringing about a greater good, is permitted. Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
“There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders charity or righteousness or conciliation between mankind; and he does this seeking the good pleasure of Allah. We shall give him a great reward” (Surah al-Nisaa:114)
There are many times in which the differences that occur between people happen within families or close friends. Sometimes it can feel that the differences are so great they are intractable. But Allah (swt) shows us how pleased He (swt) is with those who strive to please Him by reconciling the hearts. He (swt) even allows us to stretch the truth in order to try and bring two hearts together.
Can you think of anyone that you know who is not on speaking terms with someone close to them? Can you think of any way in which you could assist in bringing about a reconciliation between them? Perhaps inviting them both and mediating to sort out their differences? This is a greatly rewardable act, and as this hadith shows us, it is considered a form of charity in Islam. So let’s strive to please Allah (swt) by bringing about harmony in our community.
honey for the heart 