As the coronavirus continues to spread and restrictions increase, it is easy to feel disconnected from the community. How can one help the community, neighbors, and loved ones while still respecting the “rules” of social distancing?

Below is a small list of things that we can do to help others during this time of crisis.

• Donate money to local charities, Masajids and to family members who are in dire need.
• Reach out to neighbors who might be in need of someone to help them with picking groceries, daily chores, picking up mail. Etc.
• Help the elderly and single mothers in the community with their chores.
• Stay in touch – While Masajids and schools might be closed, keep in touch with others via texts, phone calls & chats.
• Spring Cleaning – Use the time at home to clean the house and donate items new and used to those in need.
• Use this time to spend with family and kids at home. You can play indoor games and cook with them and bond as a family.
• Help others with childcare.
• Give Zakat – This is a perfect time to give Zakat as the pandemic has left many people unemployed and in need of immediate funds.
• As markets are running out of supplies, share hoarded supplies, sanitizers, toiletries, medicines with neighbors, friends, and family.
• Donate to local food pantries and food banks.

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“Producing good prevents a bad end and trials and destruction, and the people of good in this world are the people of good in the hereafter.” (Al-Albani)

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“…Whoever fulfills the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever removes the troubles of his brother, Allah will remove one of his troubles on the Day of Resurrection; and whoever covers up the fault of a Muslim, Allah will cover up his fault on the Day of Resurrection”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim. So he should neither oppress him nor hand him over to an oppressor. And whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs.” (Al-Bukhari)

***