Prophetic Approaches to Social Welfare and Human Development: A Framework for Contemporary Planning

Abstract

When we study the Sirah of the Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the books of Aswa al-Hasanah with reference to the Holy Period of the Prophet hood, it is clear that the human welfare system began with the Prophet’s own life when he introduced brotherhood and equality. He created a human welfare system in the society by taking intellectual steps of mutual cooperation and human sympathy. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) has always kept in view the principles of freedom, equality, benefit and tolerance. Because the spirit of cooperation, sympathy and mutual love and goodwill between individuals is essential for political stability, social peace and economic development in a society. Therefore, Islam has made mutual sympathy, cooperation and benevolence a part of high human qualities.