Theoretical Foundations of Cooperation and Social Security
In Surah Al-Muddaththir, while narrating the question and answer between the people of Paradise and the people of hell, one of the reasons for going to hell is mentioned and it is the failure to feed the needy:
“‘What caused you to be thrust into the Scorching (Fire)?’ They will reply: ‘We were not among those who prayed, and we did not feed the needy. We plunged in with the plungers and belied the Day of Recompense.’” (Verses 42-46)
This issue is not just related to the hereafter. In Surah Al-Fajr, among the reasons for people’s humiliation and distance from God’s mercy in this world is the lack of respect for orphans and encouragement and cooperation in feeding the poor:
“However, when his Lord tests him by a measured amount of sustenance, he says, ‘God has disgraced me’. (Since wealth does not necessarily guarantee everlasting happiness) then why do you not show kindness to the orphans, or urge one another to feed the destitute?” (Verses 16-18)
There are several points hidden in the expression “show kindness to the orphans”: First, more important than the orphan’s body is his soul, which must be honored. In other words, the first expectation of orphans is respect for their personality. God’s honoring of man should lead to honoring of orphans.
“Urge one another” also means encouraging each other. This means that simply feeding the poor is not enough, but one should encourage each other to do so and cooperate and help in this.
Therefore, cooperation plays an important role in honoring orphans and being kind to others, in providing sustenance and dignity for humans.
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In addition to emphasizing cooperation and mutual assistance in resolving the social and economic problems of the poor and disadvantaged in society, the Quran and Sunnah mention some philosophical principles such as property belonging to society, belief in the right of all individuals to natural wealth, Islamic brotherhood, and participation of the poor in the wealth of the rich.
In the following notes, some of the principles of cooperation will be mentioned.
