Al-Azhar Lists 7 Great Virtues of Feeding Others: A Worship That Opens the Gates of Paradise
Al-Azhar’s Global Center for Electronic Fatwa highlights seven noble virtues of feeding others, describing it as an act of mercy, faith, and gratitude to God.
The Al-Azhar Global Center for Electronic Fatwa has shed light on the spiritual greatness of feeding others, emphasizing that this simple yet profound act combines compassion toward people with devotion to God.
The Center stated on its official Facebook page that feeding the hungry is a sign of righteousness and generosity, quoting the Prophet ﷺ: “The best of you are those who feed others.” It reflects overcoming selfishness and spreading kindness among people.
It added that feeding others is among the most beloved deeds to God, as the Prophet ﷺ said: “The most beloved of people to God are those most beneficial to others...”, confirming that helping the needy brings joy to hearts and blessings to life.
The Center also noted that it is a trait of the righteous, as mentioned in the Qur’an:
“And they give food, despite their love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.”
Such people are promised eternal bliss and divine mercy.
Feeding others is also a means of salvation from Hellfire, following the Prophet’s saying: “Protect yourselves from the Fire even with half a date.” Even a small act of kindness can bring great reward.
It further explained that feeding others is part of good Islamic conduct, as the Prophet ﷺ said when asked which Islam is best: “To feed others and greet those you know and those you do not know.”
The Center reminded that this was a Prophetic recommendation, as the Prophet ﷺ said to Mu‘adh ibn Jabal: “Spread peace, offer food, and be modest before God…”, describing it as a complete moral and spiritual guide.
Concluding, Al-Azhar stated that feeding others is a path to Paradise, quoting: “Worship the Most Merciful, feed others, and spread peace; you will enter Paradise in peace.”
Feeding others also expresses gratitude for God’s blessings, reflected in social occasions like weddings, childbirth feasts, and hospitality. The Prophet ﷺ promised heavenly rewards for those who “speak kindly, feed others, fast regularly, and pray at night while people sleep.”
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