A man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) , "What sort of deeds or (what qualities of) Islam are good?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, 'To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not Know (See Hadith No. 27).
The Excellence of Feeding and Greeting
The noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (12) demonstrates that Islam encompasses both spiritual devotion and social responsibility. The Prophet's response highlights two fundamental pillars: feeding the poor fulfills material needs while greeting others nurtures social harmony.
Comprehensive Nature of Islamic Goodness
The questioner inquired about "good deeds" or "good qualities of Islam," indicating his desire to understand the essence of righteous conduct. The Prophet's answer transcends mere ritual worship, emphasizing practical compassion and universal brotherhood.
Feeding the poor represents the material dimension of faith - fulfilling the rights of Allah's creation. Greeting both known and unknown persons embodies the spiritual dimension - spreading peace and breaking barriers of unfamiliarity.
Scholarly Commentary on the Two Acts
Scholars explain that feeding the poor includes both obligatory zakat and voluntary charity (sadaqah), demonstrating Islam's concern for social welfare. The greeting "As-salamu alaykum" is not mere courtesy but a prayer for divine peace and protection.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that this hadith combines rights of Allah (through charitable acts) and rights of people (through social interaction). The inclusion of "those you do not know" particularly emphasizes Islam's universal message of peace beyond familiar circles.
Practical Implementation in Daily Life
This teaching encourages Muslims to maintain balance between vertical relationship with Allah and horizontal relationships with society. The simplicity of these acts makes goodness accessible to all believers, regardless of their spiritual station.
Modern application includes supporting food banks, charitable organizations, and maintaining cordial relations in diverse societies. The greeting extends to digital communications, reminding us to carry Islamic etiquette into all aspects of life.