Wednesday, June 3, 2020

It's Heartening That the Muslim Community Has Kept in Mind the Teachings of The Quran And Hadith on The Rights of Travellers and Have Come Forward with Help for Them



By S. Arshad, New Age Islam

03 June 2020

The holy Quran has guaranteed the rights of every human being. It has determined the rights of the parents, rights of the wives, rights of children, rights of the neighbours, of the orphans, the widows and the destitute. The Quran did not ignore the rights of the travellers and stressed on their rights as well.
 










The rights of the travellers were stressed by the Quran because during the time the Quran was revealed, travelling was not a luxury like it is today. The rich used horses or camels as a means of transportation but the common people had to travel on foot. They had to walk hundreds or thousands of miles on foot through difficult terrains, sometimes passing through forests or deserts for trade, education or other personal purposes. Robbers and beasts posed a serious threat to their life and property. Finding food or water during the journey was also a serious problem. Therefore, the holy Quran did not ignore the plight of travellers. It enjoined on the Muslims to help and take care of the travellers as they were enjoined to help and take care of the orphans, the poor and the neighbours. The Quran says:

"They ask you what to spend, tell them to spend their wealth on their parents, on relatives, on orphans, on the needy and on the travellers."(Al Baqarah:215)

"Give the relatives, the needy and the travellers their due”. (Bani Israil:26)

The holy Prophet pbuh exhorted Muslims to help the travellers: There is a Hadith on the importance of helping the travellers.

Hazrat Abu Huraira narrated: The holy Prophet pbuh said, "The supplication of three kinds of people is accepted without any doubt. The supplication of the oppressed, the supplication of the travellers and the supplication of parents in favour of the son."(Tirmidhi, Dawood)
In the present situation in the country when migrant workers are travelling thousands of miles with their families on foot without food and water, the teachings of the Quran and Hadiths assume relevance and greater significance. The teachings remind Muslims of their social and religious duty to help the hapless migrant workers with water, food and shelter and help them reach their homes safely. The Quran and Hadith do not discriminate travellers on the basis of religion. Muslims should extend help to every traveller who is in need. Ignoring their plight while being in a position to help will be a great sin.

It's heartening that the Muslim community has kept in mind the teachings of the Quran and Hadith on the rights of travellers and have come forward with help for them with whatever resources were available with them. They have provided food, water and fruits to the migrant workers on the way. However, they should help them in a more organised manner and with a greater zeal. This is the best time to prove that "they are the best people brought for mankind."

S. Arshad is a regular columnist for NewAgeIslam.com



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