Supporting the Family - Sahih al-Bukhari 5353

The Prophet (ﷺ) 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 performs prayers all the night and fasts all the day."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari elevates the status of caring for vulnerable members of society to the highest levels of spiritual reward. The comparison to a Mujahid fighting in Allah's path and one engaged in continuous night prayers and daytime fasting demonstrates the immense virtue of this act.

The widow represents those who have lost their worldly support, while the poor person symbolizes those lacking material means. Caring for them encompasses providing financial support, emotional comfort, and social protection - fulfilling both material and spiritual needs.

This teaching emphasizes that jihad is not limited to battlefield combat but includes striving against societal ills and human suffering. The Prophet (ﷺ) thus redirects the community's energy toward building a compassionate society where the vulnerable are protected and honored.

Scholarly Insights

Classical scholars note that this hadith establishes social service as a form of worship equal to the most demanding physical and spiritual exercises. Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that this demonstrates Islam's comprehensive approach to worship, where serving creation serves the Creator.

The dual comparison - to both military jihad and intense worship - shows that caring for others fulfills both the external and internal dimensions of faith. It develops courage like the warrior and devotion like the worshipper.

Practical Application

This teaching encourages Muslims to actively seek out and support widows, orphans, and the impoverished in their communities. The reward is not diminished by the means one possesses - even small acts of kindness and regular checking on their wellbeing qualify for this great merit.

The hadith particularly emphasizes sustained care rather than occasional charity, mirroring the consistency of the warrior's commitment and the worshipper's daily discipline.