The least you can do to help someone is keep them safe from your harm

I asked the Prophet ﷺ, “Which deed is best?” He said, “Belief in Allah and striving in His cause.” I said, “Then which slave is best to free?” He said, “The one with the highest price and the most valued by his people.” I said, “And if I cannot do that?” He said, “Help a craftsman, or do something for one who has poor judgement or is incompetent.” I said, “And if I cannot do that?” He said, “Keep people safe from your harm, for that is a charity you give on your own behalf.”

سَأَلْتُ النَّبِيَّ ﷺ أَىُّ الْعَمَلِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: «إِيمَانٌ بِاللَّهِ، وَجِهَادٌ فِي سَبِيلِهِ» قُلْتُ: فَأَىُّ الرِّقَابِ أَفْضَلُ؟ قَالَ: «أَغْلاَهَا ثَمَنًا وَأَنْفَسُهَا عِنْدَ أَهْلِهَا» قُلْتُ: فَإِنْ لَمْ أَفْعَلْ؟ قَالَ: «تُعِينُ صَانِعًا أَوْ تَصْنَعُ لِأَخْرَقَ» قَالَ: فَإِنْ لَمْ أَفْعَلْ؟ قَالَ: «تَدَعُ النَّاسَ مِنَ الشَّرِّ فَإِنَّهَا صَدَقَةٌ تَصَدَّقُ بِهَا عَلَى نَفْسِكَ»