Charity and looking after the needy is much emphasised in Ramadhan, the month of the Muslim fast. The Holy Quran puts great emphasis on looking after the less fortunate and Ramadhan comes as a reminder of this obligation. The Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, ‘pbuh’) increased in charity during Ramadhan and enjoined his followers to do the same and to remember that looking after the needy should not be limited to Ramadhan but should continue even after.The Holy Prophet’s (pbuh) compassion and sympathy for the needy was evident even before he received the divine call at the age of 40. Early events in his life had left a deep mark on him and his heart was full of love and compassion for mankind.His father had died before his birth. The child Muhammad (pbuh) and his mother were looked after by the paternal grandfather Abdul Muttalib. He was suckled by a countrywoman who lived in a place near Taif, as was the custom in Arabia in those days. When the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was in his sixth year, his mother also passed away and when he was in his eighth year, his beloved grandfather also died, after which, his uncle became his guardian.These events were not a series of coincidences of little significance. They were part of the divine design, so that he might develop early the qualities of self-reliance, reflection and steadfastness.These happenings left a deep and ever enduring effect on the heart of the Holy Prophet. To some extent, these initial grievances were the reason behind his immense love for the poor and special sympathy for the less fortunate.In his early youth Muhammad joined an association, commonly known as ‘Hilful Fudul’, which was formed to help the oppressed, poor and needy. Members of the association took the oath that:“They will help those who were oppressed and will restore them their rights as long as the last drop of water remained in the sea. And if they do not do so, they will compensate the victims out of their own belongings.”Even before the divine call, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was renowned in Meccca as Al-Amin - the Trustworthy.The Holy Prophet (pbuh) grew into manhood exhibiting sterling qualities of truthfulness, integrity, and piety. Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her, ‘ra’), a twice widowed respected lady 15 years older than the Holy Prophet (pbuh) made a proposal of marriage to him after he successfully lead her trade-caravan to Syria.After the marriage, Khadija (ra) felt she was rich and he was poor and that this inequality between them would not make for happiness. She hence made over her property and slaves to the Holy Prophet (pbuh). The greater part of the property which he received from Khadija (ra) he distributed among the poor. As soon as he had the slaves, he set all of them free.There was one young man, Zaid (ra) who despite being set free, refused to leave the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Some time after, Zaid’s (ra) family reached Mecca in search of him and offered to pay as much ransom as the Holy Prophet (pbuh) should demand for setting Zaid (ra) free. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) responded that Zaid (ra) was already a free man and could leave with his family whenever he wished. But, to the great astonishment of Zaid’s (ra) family, the latter refused to go back with them and insisted on staying with the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Zaid’s (ra) attachment for the Holy Prophet (pbuh) testifies to the kind and compassionate nature of Prophet Muhammad.Years later, after the Holy Prophet received the divine call, his Companions (ra) also followed his example and gave exceptional attention to the needy and set free hundreds of thousands of slaves and paid the ransom for thousands more to set them free.The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was indeed an Excellent Model (Holy Quran 33:22), the Seal of Prophets (33:41) and a Mercy for mankind (21:108).Shabnam Jheengoor is a meber of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Please e-mail alislam.bermuda@gmail.com for more information