Caring for the poor in Islam

Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "As-Sadaqât (here it means Zakât) are only for the Fuqarâ' (poor), and Al-Masâkin (the needy)." [Surat At-Tawbah: 60].

Allah (may He be Exalted) said: "And those in whose wealth there is a recognised right * For the beggar who asks, and for the unlucky who has lost his property and wealth, (and his means of living has been straitened)." [Surat Al Ma`arij: 24 - 25].

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "O Allah! Treat harshly those who rule over my nation with harshness, and treat gently those who rule over my nation with gentleness." [1].

 The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "I looked into Paradise and saw that most of its dwellers are the poor." [2].

`A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said to `Urwah: "O son of my sister, by Allah, I used to see the new moon, then the new moon, then the new moon, i. e. three moons in two months, and fire was not kindled in the house of Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him). `Urwah said: Auntie, then what were your means of sustenance? She said: Dates and water." [3].

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a Mujahid (warrior) who fights for Allah's Cause, or like him who observes fasting the day and stands up for Salah at night." [4].