The rationale of empathy

Mighty monarchs passed.
Pious-king Yudhisthir too departed.
This land did not go with anyone.
O Ruler,
The domain will not accompany thee.

– Anshu Malwiya in Hariyali ke Akhetak

Along with purification, penance and prayers, Ramazan is also an occasion to share simple pleasures of life with loved ones. Joys multiply when combined with the satisfaction of caring for the needy. In hallowed Islamic tradition, Muslims are expected to set aside at least two-and-a-half percent of their assets (called 'zakat') for the welfare of the less fortunate. Our achievements are the blessings of the one and only supreme being and there is no better way to show gratitude to the almighty than by helping the poor. The beneficiary of zakat merely accepts his due. The mercy is that of the almighty, not the one who has performed his duty by donating a very small part of his or her wealth.

Hindus too mark the memory of Dinbandhu (brother of the poor) Baliraja, who gave away his earthly possessions to the deserving. Daan – selfless giving – is the most potent source of spiritual power. During the monsoon, on Guru Purnima day, priests invoke the spirit of a mighty king who became arrogant about his generosity and had to be chastised by the god-incarnate in the form of a dwarf. When selfless giving takes place, the receiver is doing a favour to the giver of daan. The donor, by earning merit, is the prime beneficiary in this transaction – he gives his earthly possessions to acquire salvation.