Pay it forward [28:77]

In Surah Qasas (28:77), Allah tells us to use what He has granted us to build our Hereafter while balancing our responsibilities in this world. He goes on to say:

وَأَحْسِن كَمَا أَحْسَنَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ

[28:77] . . . and do good (to others) as Allah has done good to you

 This verse was addressed to the wealthy and powerful Qarun (known as Korah in the Bible) who is a figure mentioned in the Quran as a wealthy, arrogant, and corrupt individual from the time of Prophet Musa (as). His story appears in Surah Al-Qasas (28:76-82), where he is depicted as someone who was granted immense wealth by Allah but became prideful and boastful about it.

Qarun was a man of great wealth and status, who believed that his success was purely a result of his own efforts and intellect. He was blinded by pride and failed to recognize that his prosperity was, in fact, a blessing from Allah. He hoarded his wealth, spending it recklessly to indulge his own desires, while turning a blind eye to the needs of others. His story serves as a cautionary tale of how unchecked greed and self-centeredness can cloud our ability to see the purpose behind the blessings we receive.

Despite the warnings from Prophet Musa (as) to be humble and grateful, Qarun remained defiant. As a result, Allah caused the earth to swallow him and his treasures as a punishment for his arrogance and disbelief.

This verse is a profound reminder that the blessings we receive are not solely for our own enjoyment or accumulation—they are a trust from Allah, meant to be used for the betterment of others. Allah has endowed us with various gifts—be they material, intellectual, or spiritual—and it is through how we use these gifts that we show our gratitude and fulfill our purpose on Earth.

Qarun's failure lies in his inability to see that blessings, especially abundance, are not simply rewards, but tests—tests of how we will use them. The gifts we receive are not for us alone; they are meant to be shared. The Quran encourages us to use the blessings we have, be they wealth, knowledge, or power, as tools to do good in the world. By doing so, we participate in the divine flow of blessings and contribute to the well-being of others, rather than hoarding them for selfish purposes.

The Spiritual Perspective: Guardianship, Not Ownership

From a spiritual perspective, we must recognize that we are merely guardians of the blessings Allah has given us. Nothing truly belongs to us in the absolute sense; it is all entrusted to us by Allah, to be used for good and to be shared with others. This understanding transforms the way we view our material possessions, intellectual gifts, and even our time. We are not meant to accumulate blessings for their own sake but to be conduits through which goodness flows to others. 

This principle aligns with Islamic teachings on charity (sadaqah) and the importance of sharing wealth, knowledge, and blessings with those in need. Prophet Muhammad (saw) emphasized that giving in charity doesn’t just refer to wealth; it extends to knowledge, time, and kindness—anything that can benefit others. In fact, many scholars argue that charity is one of the most effective ways to purify our hearts and engage in meaningful spiritual growth.

How Do We Pay It Forward? 

The verse calls us to reflect on the blessings we have received and consider how we can pay them forward. Of course, because He is the All Generous, the Karim, what we give benefits us more than the recipient of our gift or service.

Let us reflect on how are we using a tiny portion of our gifts for the benefit of others?

Financial Resources: If we have been blessed with wealth, how are we using it? Are we contributing to causes that help those in need, supporting charities, or helping our community? [on a side note, there are still a precious few days left in Ramadan to attend to this. My charity of choice in Canada for relief and development projects at home and overseas is IDRF  https://idrf.ca and they have a matching fund for Palestine at the moment] 

Studies in psychology have shown that acts of giving, even small ones, significantly boost our own well-being. Altruistic behavior fosters a sense of purpose and satisfaction, contributing to emotional and psychological well-being. When we share our wealth, we not only benefit others but also enrich our own lives.

Bodily Strength and Ability: If we have good health and physical strength, are we using it to help others? Volunteering our time, using our strength to serve, or helping others physically are ways of sharing this blessing. Research in positive psychology has shown that individuals who volunteer their time and abilities report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. The act of giving physically to others often creates a deeper connection with our own well-being. 

Knowledge: Are we using our knowledge and skills to educate and empower others? Sharing our expertise can transform lives and communities. Teaching others reinforces our own knowledge and builds a sense of fulfillment. This process of teaching and sharing can contribute significantly to our own sense of purpose.

Social Connections and Power: If we have influential relationships or hold positions of power, how are we using them to elevate others? Helping those without access to networks or using our influence for justice are ways to give back. Social psychologists emphasize the power of social capital—the networks and relationships we form—and how using these relationships to support others contributes to the greater good.

Time and Ease: If we are blessed with time or an easy life, how are we using this gift? Time, once spent, is never regained, so how we spend it matters. Whether it's spending time with loved ones, helping someone in need, or simply making a conscious effort to be kind, our time is a valuable gift. Studies show that people who spend time nurturing relationships and engaging in acts of kindness experience greater life satisfaction and happiness.

Research on Altruism and Well-Being

Psychological research consistently supports the idea that engaging in acts of kindness and generosity increases wellbeing and happiness. A well-known concept in positive psychology is the "helper’s high", a phenomenon where individuals experience a sense of joy and well-being after helping others. Research from the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California has shown that giving—whether in terms of money, time, or other resources—releases dopamine in the brain, which creates feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. The more we give, the more we train our brains to seek positive emotional rewards.

Furthermore, research on social connectedness indicates that the more we help others, the more we foster meaningful social connections. This, in turn, leads to better mental health, improved coping skills, and increased resilience to stress.

Now here’s the thing. Sometimes we are in the midst of a challenging season of our lives and it can be difficult to notice what is needed and reach out to help and support. And we need to remind ourselves that our comfort and healing from challenges lies not in isolating ourselves [as we would like to do] but in fact, in reaching out to help others.

Is the World Better Off Because of Us? 

As we reflect on the blessings we’ve been granted, we must ask ourselves: Are we making the world better because of them? Do we share our resources—whether material, intellectual, or social—in a way that benefits others? Are we using our position to help those in need, or are we hoarding our blessings for personal gain as Qarun did?

This verse calls us to be conduits of goodness in the world, to ensure that the flow of blessings continues. Our ultimate purpose is not to accumulate blessings, but to share them, creating a ripple effect of kindness, justice, and compassion. Doing good, as it has been said, is the rent we pay to have this life. Here’s one of my favourite poems reflecting this:

AT DAYS END

Is anybody happier

because you passed his way?

Does anyone remember

that you spoke to him today?

The day is almost over,

and its toiling time is through;

Is there anyone to utter now

a kindly word of you?

Can you say tonight, in parting

with the day that's slipping fast,

That you helped a single brother

of the many that you passed?

Is a single heart rejoicing

over what you did or said;

Does the man whose hopes were fading,

now with courage look ahead?

Did you waste the day, or lose it?

Was it well or sorely spent?

Did you leave a trail of kindness,

or a scar of discontent?

As you close your eyes in slumber,

do You think that God will say

"You've earned one more tomorrow

by the work you did today?"

John Hall 

As we reflect on the blessings we've received and the responsibility to share them with others, I want to ask a small favor from you. If you have found benefit in these Ramadan reflections, please consider paying it forward. Share the reflections with one or two people who might benefit from them. If you listen to the podcast, I’d be grateful if you could take a minute to write a review here on Apple Podcasts  - this helps the content reach a wider audience. If you're on social media, a quick comment or share of a post can also make a difference in spreading the message.

Together, we can ensure that the blessings we have received continue to flow and impact others in meaningful ways. Thank you for your support!

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Wishing you a day full of spiritual fulfillment, positivity, purpose and peace.