Hazrat Qari Siddeeq Ahmad Baandwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) mentioned regarding the people of his village, “It was a very excellent era. It was common for everyone to help and assist others. Everyone lived like brothers. They would all help and assist one another. Everyone would take part in each other’s happiness, sadness, weddings, functions, etc. Some servants of Allah Ta‘ala have made it their work to assist those in need.”

Qari Saheb (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned the following incident regarding one of the pious people from his family:

“He used to help everyone in purchasing their necessities. He would go to the bazaar with those who were needy and purchase their items for them. People used to come to him and express their needs. He would make an appointment with them and ensure that he would help them out. Some poor non-Muslims would also come to him and say, ‘My daughter is getting married. I have to purchase the jehez

[1]. Come with me to buy it.’ He would even go with them to render his assistance. In this manner he would try and help everyone. The morning that he passed away, some people had come to his house since he had given them an appointment to take them to Baanda to buy their things. These poor people went back crying in grief for this great loss.” (Hayaat-e-Siddeeq, pg. 42)

[1] According to the custom in India, the bride’s father has to give the groom a large amount of gifts before he accepts the bride in his home.