Throughout history, religion has served as a moral compass guiding the behaviors, attitudes, and actions of humanity. Despite the diversity of religious traditions, a common thread running through all of them is the call to compassion, kindness, and service—especially towards the underserved.From the teachings of Christianity to the practices in Sikhism, serving the underserved is a cornerstone of spiritual life across all major religions. Whether through the concept of Zakat in Islam, Seva in Sikhism, or Tzedakah in Judaism, the focus remains clear: helping the poor, needy, and marginalized is not just encouraged but required as an expression of faith and righteousness.
In Christianity, Jesus Christ emphasized serving the poor and marginalized in his teachings, such as the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In Islam, serving the underserved is institutionalized in the form of Zakat, one of the five pillars of the faith. Zakat is the practice of giving a portion of one’s wealth to those in need, especially the poor, orphans, and widows.In Judaism,The Talmud, a collection of rabbinic teachings, emphasizes the importance of giving generously to the poor and needy. Jewish law also outlines specific guidelines for charitable giving, ensuring that it is done in a just and compassionate manner.The Torah contains numerous commandments about caring for the poor, such as leaving gleanings in the field for the needy.
Buddhism, which is deeply rooted in the principle of Karuna (compassion), holds that alleviating the suffering of others is one of the highest virtues. The Buddha himself taught that compassion towards all sentient beings, especially those who suffer, is a path to enlightenment. Buddhist teachings also encourage Dana, the practice of giving without expecting anything in return. Serving those in need is viewed as a way to cultivate kindness and reduce one’s attachment to worldly possessions.
Hinduism, too, emphasizes the importance of service to others. The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text, encourages selfless service and devotion to God.This teaching suggests that service to others, especially the underserved, is not only an ethical duty but also a path to spiritual growth.The concept of karma, or the law of cause and effect, suggests that one’s actions have consequences, both in this life and in future lives. By performing good deeds, such as serving the needy, individuals can accumulate positive karma and improve their spiritual well-being.My mom and dad wanted us to give up all ritual offerings to Brahmans and instead feed the poor on their birthdays.On my tenth birthday mom took me to temples of six different faiths and made me feed the poor
Many ancient religious texts and traditions emphasize the importance of helping those in need: In Ancient Egypt,the concept of Ma’at included social justice and care for the less fortunate. In Mesopotamia,The Code of Hammurabi (c. 1750 BCE) included provisions for protecting widows and orphans.
Sikhism, a relatively younger religion, also emphasizes Seva—selfless service—as a central part of religious life. Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, taught that service to humanity is service to God. One of the most visible manifestations of this principle is the Langar, a community kitchen found in every Gurdwara (Sikh temple), where free meals are served to all, regardless of religion, caste, or status. This practice embodies the Sikh commitment to feeding the hungry and supporting those in need.
This principle of serving the underserved is rooted in the belief that all human beings are interconnected and that compassion and empathy are essential for creating a just and harmonious society. By working together to address the needs of the marginalized, individuals can contribute to a more compassionate and equitable world. In an increasingly divided and polarized world, this message of solidarity through service stands as a powerful reminder that compassion transcends all barriers, whether they be cultural, religious, racial or economic.
Judaism
- “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord.” (Proverbs 19:17)
- “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be open handed toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy.” (Deuteronomy 15:11)
- “Charity equals in importance to all the other commandments combined.” (Baba Bathra 9a)
Christianity
- “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” (Luke 12:33)
- “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)
- “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”James 1:27:
- “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me” (Matthew 25:35-36)
Islam:
- “They ask thee what they should spend. Say: Whatever ye spend for good must be for parents and kindred and orphans and those in want and for wayfarers.” (2:215)
- “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbor goes hungry.” – Prophet Muhammad
- “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed of grain that sprouts seven ears; in every ear are a hundred grains. Allah multiplies the reward for whom He wills.”Quran 2:261
Hinduism
- “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Ancient Sanskrit verse
- “The one who is charitable and serves others, especially the poor, is blessed with prosperity and happiness” (Rig Veda 10:117:5).
- “Work done in the spirit of service, without attachment to the results, purifies the heart and leads to liberation.” Bhagwat Gita Chapter 3
- “I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt… recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man whom you may have seen and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him.” Gandhi
Buddhism
- “If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your path.” – Buddha
- “Consider others as yourself.” – Dhammapada
- “May I be a protector for those without one, a guide for all travelers on the way; may I be a bridge, a boat, and a ship for all who wish to cross the water.”Bodhisattva Vow
Sikhism
Service (seva) is central to Sikh practice:
- “One who performs selfless service without desire for reward shall attain God’s court.” – Guru Granth Sahib
- “The hands of the Gursikh should always be busy doing seva.” – Sikh saying
- “The hands that serve are holier than the lips that pray.” The Guru Granth Sahib