As Muslims, we should always strive to do the best we can and work hard. If you’re looking to better yourself, gain a new perspective or seek motivation, read some of our personal development articles.
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Dr Musharraf Hussain is an Islamic scholar, CEO of Karimia Institute, and senior trustee of Muslim Hands. Formerly he was the chairman of the Christian Muslim forum (2008-2010), vice chair of the Association of Muslim Schools (2000-2003). He trained and worked as a research scientist before becoming a fulltime Imam and teacher. He has authored over 30 books.
25 August 2021
The Muslim perspective on homelessness
Muslims are people who practice the religion of Islam. So, they believe in one God and follow the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The Qur’an, the Muslims holy book, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) over fourteen centuries ago. Muslims believe that God has always guided humanity by sending the Prophets to teach people how to worship him.
So, Muslims believe in Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus and many more as teachers sent by God. Muhammad (SAW) is the final Prophet of Islam who in the seventh century taught Islam.
He created humans as representatives on the Earth. Humans rely and are indebted to the God Almighty. The purpose of a Muslims life therefore is to recognise his Lord and worship him.
There are clear guidances on how to do this. The Muslims worship the Lord by praying five times a day, fasting, going on pilgrimage and by giving charity to the needy people.
A Muslim must develop good character, be kind, caring and charitable. Naturally, a Muslim is concerned about the homeless and the needy members of the society.
The homeless refugees
Islam started in the city of Makkah in Arabia in the early seventh century, here they were persecuted. So, after thirteen years of preaching and teaching Islam they were forced to migrate to a northern city of Medina.
They became refugees, homeless and penniless. The generous Muslims of Medina welcomed them and shared their homes with them.
You reap what you sow
Here is how the Quran encouraged its followers to take care of the needy and homeless:
Have you seen him who has turned away? The one who gives little then becomes even more miserly. Does he have knowledge of the unseen? That he is seeing the hereafter. Has he not been informed of what is in the Scriptures of Musa? And that of Ibrahim the one who fulfilled his responsibility that; no one will bear the burden of another and each person will only have what he has worked towards. And the outcome of his work will soon be shown, and he will be fully rewarded, and indeed to your Lord is the destination.
The Majestic Quran 53: 33-42
Feeding the needy
When it is said to them ‘spend from what God has given you, the disbelievers say to the Muslims:
Why should we feed those who if God wants He could feed them? They are terribly misguided.
The Majestic Quran 36:47
The two passages are teaching how important it is to give charity. These teaching are motivational and encourage the believers to spend on needy and the homeless.
Therefore, some Muslims support the work of charities that support homeless people. We would all love to see an end to rough sleeping.
Himmah is a Muslim charity that focuses on feeding the homeless. It began 10 years ago, after a chance encounter between its founder councillor Sajid Muhammed and a homeless man in Nottingham.
The journey to feed, house and settle this man resulted in the creation of Himmah. At the heart of the work is the ethos for empowerment and change. Himmah works to personally engage with and help individuals and families change their lives.
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