Long before modern conveniences existed, when people had to hunt and gather berries to survive, they already knew how to care for the weak and sick. Scientists who study ancient bones and places where our ancestors lived have found much evidence of this. For example, they discovered remains of people who lived very long lives despite having broken bones or missing teeth. This means that others cared for them, shared food, and helped them survive.
Let’s look at how different religions teach about helping others:
Christianity ✝️
In the Christian world, helping one’s neighbor has always been considered very important. Interestingly, in medieval times in countries like Spain and Portugal, it became fashionable among the wealthy to help the poor. They built large hospitals and special homes for people with leprosy. Many Christian communities created places where the poor could receive help.
However, not everyone did this purely out of kindness. Some wealthy people helped the poor to display their wealth and power. In the Christians’ holy book – the Bible – there are lines that say: “Do not do good deeds for show, so that others may see you.” But even if some helped for the sake of glory, their assistance still saved many lives.
Islam ☪️
In Islam, which is today the second-largest religion in the world, helping others is one of the main rules. Almost a quarter of all people on Earth follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, recorded in the Quran. Islam has five main rules, and one of them is called “zakat” – mandatory assistance to those in need.
Every Muslim must give a small portion of their money to those less fortunate. It is believed that such help cleanses the soul of sins. These donations go to help the poor, travelers, debtors, and those who collect and distribute this aid.
Besides mandatory zakat, there is also voluntary help – “sadaqah.” And this doesn’t necessarily mean money! Sadaqah can be any help: gifted items, spent time, some service, and even a simple smile. Sometimes it’s a kind smile that can warm someone’s heart and inspire good deeds.
Judaism ✡️
Judaism is the oldest religion that believes in one God. In the Jewish holy book – the Torah – there are many wise rules about how to live correctly. One important rule is called “tzedakah,” which means “righteousness” or “justice.”
Every believing Jew must give exactly one-tenth of their income to help others. This isn’t just a rule – it’s considered a right and just action. Jews believe that when a person gives tzedakah, they become an intermediary between God and those who need help. But it’s very important to do this with joy and a kind heart, not because it’s required.
Hinduism and Buddhism 🕉
In Buddhism and Hinduism, helping others is called “dana” or “daana.” This tradition is so ancient that its descriptions can be found in texts that are about 4,000 years old! For example, the ancient book “Rigveda” already speaks about the importance of helping others.
Buddhists and Hindus believe that dana is when a person gives something of their own to another, expecting absolutely nothing in return. This can be anything: food, shelter, good advice, or even just an attentive and kind look. Of course, wealthy people following these religions also help the poor with money and goods. This tradition of helping others has survived from ancient times to the present day.
It turns out that all major religions of the world have rules and traditions for helping those in need. And although in different religions it’s called differently – zakat, sadaqah, tzedakah, or dana – the essence is the same: helping others should be done sincerely, from a pure heart, and then the world becomes a better place.
