In a letter addressed to Adi ibn Artah, ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Aziz wrote: “Be kind toward dhimmis (free non-Muslim subjects of the Islamic State). If you find some of them old or helpless, give maintenance to them.”

So keep your duty to God and fear Him as much as you can; listen and obey; and spend in charity, that is better for yourselves. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, and then they are the successful ones. (64:16)

Make both sides of your coin work for you and share this piece with someone. Author Julia Alvarez said, “The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on.”

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HABIB ALLI is author of nine books. The latest, published in Toronto, is Canadian Fiqh: Understanding Islam. Mr Alli is educated in Islam with a Masters degree and originates from Guyana. He enjoys Interfaith activities and believes dialogue to unity is like blood to the body.