Human Solidarity in the Islamic Society as Reflected in Surah Al-Baqarah

Abstract

Humanity manifests itself in its most beautiful form through continuous cooperation with those in need, as there are many vulnerable cases that are unable to secure their daily sustenance. Many of them live in difficult conditions that prevent them from meeting their needs, while some social classes enjoy wealth and abundant blessings. Islam came with a comprehensive approach that seeks to reduce economic gaps and social disparities among individuals of the same society, establishing its principles to raise the level of the weak by supporting those in need and communicating with them to meet their needs. For that, it made obligatory and recommended means, the most important of which are: *zakat* (almsgiving), *khums* (one-fifth tax), and financial expiations, in addition to voluntary expenditures such as gifts, wills, and endowments. These means are considered fundamental pillars that ensure a life of dignity and safety for the overwhelming majority in society.

Despite their differences in ethnicities, sects, and ways of living in societies with different cultures, the common trait among all peoples is humanity—though in varying degrees, with some reaching its peak and others descending to its lowest, almost lost in tyrannical individuals. Humanity is the innate trait of human beings, but the sweetness of life, love of authority, arrogance, and pride overshadow it, causing it to gradually fade away. This fading has had negative consequences on the weak human. Islam emphasized its noble values of support, mercy, generosity, cooperation, and assistance. The Holy Qur’an, especially in the themes of Surah Al-Baqarah, urged solidarity through spending and highlighted its importance for the individual in building a compassionate Islamic human society. It clarified that solidarity is not merely an individual act, but a collective human endeavor aimed at building a cooperative society where individuals share their blessings among themselves.