One of the highest aims and noblest purposes is for a person to be keen on doing good to help others, and to hurry towards it. Through this, a person’s humanity rises and their conduct is refined. It is one of the secrets of happiness, and a way of taking on the character of the prophets and the truthful. This is why our faith urges people to do good to everyone, regardless of their beliefs or origins.
Doing good is one of the secrets of happiness
Giving without expecting anything in return, in its many forms, whether a smile, a small act of help or lending a helping hand to someone in need of it, is close to human nature. It fills the giver with happiness and contentment as much as it delights the one who receives it. Taking the initiative to do good, noble character and being of benefit to others can be a cause of a person’s mental and physical wellbeing, and may even bring blessing to their life.
A chance to change for the better
Whoever feels moved to do good and resolves to help someone in distress or hardship should first put their trust in Allah, then pursue the many paths of goodness, such as contributing to building a mosque in a remote area, digging a well in a village struck by drought, or sponsoring an orphan who lost their father at an early age and has no one to help them with the costs and challenges of life.
When the soul inclines towards doing good and standing by those who need support, and they are many in our time, it is natural for a person to start a charitable initiative. It fulfils what they wish for and turns their feeling for the pain and hopes of their brothers and sisters in humanity into something real: a rich experience that shows a person’s ability to bring positive change to their community, as long as they have a sincere intention and the resolve to help others, following the words of Allah: {Allah does not charge a soul except [with that within] its capacity} [Al-Baqarah 2:286].
Doing good is contagious, and a habit you can learn
Doing good holds one of the secrets of happiness, and it has a contagious effect that reaches others and inspires them to follow. Seeing someone take the lead in doing good usually stirs feelings in others that move them to good deeds of their own. In this way, the good we do can make the world a better place to live in.
In short, doing good is a happiness like no other. It benefits the one who does it and reaches beyond them to those who receive it. It is a habit that can be developed anywhere and at any time. Whatever effort, energy or money it costs, that cost is small and cannot compare with the happiness, contentment and peace of mind felt while doing it, a feeling that can last for months, if not years.
Journalist Lynda Larroul
Note: This article reflects the views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Qatar Charity.