Be Giver Members of Society

The desired human society is one whose members are imbued with the spirit of giving. A society in which there is only the spirit of taking is against nature’s plan.

According to one tradition, the Prophet of Islam once observed: “Wealth is very productive and sweet. It will be a source of blessing for one who takes it with a generous heart. It will not be a blessing for one who takes it with greed. He will be like the person who eats but is not satiated. The upper hand is better than the lower hand.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 3143)

‘The upper hand is better than the lower hand’ means that the status of the giver is greater than that of the taker. Islam fosters this spirit in everyone. Regardless of the society one lives in one should live in such a way that he is a giver member of society. Being a taker member is not approved of in Islam.

This give and take is no simple matter. It is a core factor in ethics. In a society where people have this giving spirit, positive moral values will be promoted. In such an atmosphere there will be mutual love, the making of concessions to others, social service, well-wishing, and brotherly relations. Such values will be cherished. The whole of society will become like a family, where no one takes another as an outsider. Everyone will rather become like a near and dear one.

On the contrary, in a society where all are bent on taking from others, negative values will take root. In such a society, people will live like strangers. There will be no mutual trust. Selfishness rather than well-wishing will prevail.

The desired human society is one whose members are imbued with the spirit of giving. A society in which there is only the spirit of taking is against nature’s plan. Such a society can never flourish.