Islamic teachings help us learn the practical skills of life. It places importance on maintaining peace and harmony in society and building empathy towards one another. These social principles are mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah in multiple instances.
It is also mentioned that fulfilling these duties is a responsibility towards humanity. In this article, we will learn about the Islamic teachings on kindness and how it helps to build a compassionate society.
Mercy and Compassion in Islam
The concept of mercy must not be new to any Muslim. It is the foundation of Islam. Among the 99 names of Allah, ‘Ar-Rahman’ is one of them, which means ‘One who is merciful.’ The mercy of Allah has constantly been mentioned in the Quran.
وَاكْتُبْ لَنَا فِيْ ہٰذِہِ الدُّنْيَا حَسَـنَۃً وَّفِي الْاٰخِرَۃِ اِنَّا ہُدْنَاۗ اِلَيْكَ۰ۭ قَالَ عَذَابِيْۗ اُصِيْبُ بِہٖ مَنْ اَشَاۗءُ۰ۚ وَرَحْمَتِيْ وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ۰ۭ فَسَاَكْتُبُہَا لِلَّذِيْنَ يَتَّقُوْنَ وَيُؤْتُوْنَ الزَّكٰوۃَ وَالَّذِيْنَ ہُمْ بِاٰيٰتِنَا يُؤْمِنُوْنَ۱۵۶ۚ
Enjoin for us good in the world, and good in the world to come. We turn to You alone.” And the Lord said: “I punish only those whom I will, but My mercy enfolds everything. I shall enjoin it for those who take heed for themselves, who pay the zakat and believe in My signs,
This verse from the Quran highlights the infinite mercy of Allah, and it encourages all Muslim believers to practice this when interacting with others. Compassion and mercy are not non-mandatory in Islam. It is a virtue that helps grow unity and reduces societal conflicts.As part of fostering mercy and kindness, reciting thisdua can be a profound way to seek Allah’s blessings and guidance in showing empathy toward others.
Prophet Muhammad: A Reflection of Mercy
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the last messenger of Allah, is a reflection of kindness and compassion himself. He is known as Mercy to the World or Rahmatul-lil-Alameen, something which is easily visible through his words and actions.
1. Kindness with Acquaintance
The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always talked gently with his family, friends,and even enemies. Narrated ‘Aishah:
That the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Indeed among the believers with the most complete faith is the one who is the best in conduct, and the most kind to his family.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2612]
The hadith highlights the importance of treating family with love and respect. Such mannerism within a household helps to grow love and understanding.
2. Mercy Towards Children
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) loved children and was always compassionate towards them. Hence, he always taught his children to be gentle and understanding to children as well.
Abu Huraira reported that al-Aqra’ b. Habis saw Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) kissing Hasan. He said:
I have ten children, but I have never kissed any one of them, whereupon Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said: He who does not show mercy (towards his children), no mercy would be shown to him.
[Sahih Muslim 2318 a]
3. Mercy Towards Those Who Are Oppressed
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) constantly instructed his followers to fight for the weak and the oppressed. It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Prophet(S.A.W) said:
“Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or oppressed.” It was said: “O Messenger of Allah! I help him when he is oppressed. But how can I help him when he oppresses?” He said: “Prevent him from oppression, that is your help for him.”
[Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2255]
Mercy in Social Justice
Islamic teachings place special importance on treating all individuals equally. This justice must not be affected by race, colour, or religion. Social justice is linked to compassion, which allows equal distribution of all resources.
يٰۗاَيُّھَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُوْنُوْا قَوّٰمِيْنَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُہَدَاۗءَ لِلہِ وَلَوْ عَلٰۗي اَنْفُسِكُمْ اَوِ الْوَالِدَيْنِ وَالْاَقْرَبِيْنَ۰ۚ اِنْ يَّكُنْ غَنِيًّا اَوْ فَقِيْرًا فَاللہُ اَوْلٰى بِہِمَا۰ۣ فَلَا تَتَّبِعُوا الْہَوٰۗى اَنْ تَعْدِلُوْا۰ۚ وَاِنْ تَلْوٗۗا اَوْ تُعْرِضُوْا فَاِنَّ اللہَ كَانَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ خَبِيْرًا۱۳۵
O you who believe, be custodians of justice (and) witnesses for God, even though against yourselves or your parents or your relatives. Whether man is rich or poor, God is his greater well-wisher than you. So follow not the behests of lust lest you swerve from justice; and if you prevaricate or avoid (giving evidence), God is cognisant of all that you do.
This verse from the Quran highlights the importance of being impartial in social justice. It ensures that the Islamic justice structures remain just and inclusive.
Pillar Of Compassion: Zakat
Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam that focuses on compassion towards those who are less fortunate or needy. It is a charitable giving that helps to purify wealth. Not only that, it also serves as a bridge between the rich and the poor in a society.
In Surah At-Tawbah (9:60), Allah defines Zakat’s seven categories of eligible people. It includes those who are poor, needy or have debt on their heads. The structure of distributing zakat ensures that support reaches those who need it with compassion.
Kindness and Mercy Towards Animals and The Environment
The concept of mercy and compassion in Islam is not limited to human beings. It also emphasizes treating animals and the environment with equal kindness and mercy. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always instructed Muslims to treat animals with care and not to hurt them.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “A man felt very thirsty while he was on the way, there he came across a well. He went down the well, quenched his thirst and came out. Meanwhile, he saw a dog panting and licking mud because of excessive thirst. He said to himself, “This dog is suffering from thirst as I did.” So, he went down the well again filled his shoe with water and watered it. Allah thanked him for that deed and forgave him. The people said, “O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)! Is there a reward for us in serving the animals?” He replied: “Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate (living being).”
[Sahih al-Bukhari 2466]
Taking care of the environment is equally essential in the eyes of Islam. In Surah Al-An’am (6:141), Allah has asked everyone to avoid wastage. It also tells Muslim believers to adopt sustainable practices to preserve the resources for future generations.
How to Build a Compassionate Society?
If we follow the Islamic teachings to the core, we will learn that kindness and compassion are the two foundations we must focus on. These two factors help in building an empathetic society.
1. Community Support
Muslims are always encouraged to support and care for their neighbors in society. Ibn ‘Abbas told Ibn az-Zubayr,
“I heard the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, say, ‘A man is not a believer who fills his stomach while his neighbour is hungry.'”
[Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 112]
2. Not to Be Rude
We must avoid harsh behavior with others in society at any cost. Rude and harsh behavior creates feelings of resentment. In the Quran, Allah says
“And by the mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.”
This verse highlights how kindness can transform lives and win hearts. Not only that, a simple act of kindness helps to create a sense of unity among members of the society.
3. Be Empathetic
Empathy and compassion go hand in hand. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) always encourages Muslims to prioritize the well-being of others. Additionally, he also promoted mutual respect and understanding in the society. Anas narrated that the Prophet(S.A.W) said:
“None of you believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”
[Jami-at-tirmidhi, 2515]
Conclusion
Compassion and kindness are two integral teachings of Islam. It shapes the societal behavior of an individual. By adopting these two traits in our personalities, we can create an equal and harmonious society.
It is not just the Quran but the hadith as well that reminds us that acts of compassion help us to build a better society. Allah says
اِنَّ اللہَ يَاْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْاِحْسَانِ وَاِيْتَاۗئِ ذِي الْقُرْبٰى وَيَنْہٰى عَنِ الْفَحْشَاۗءِ وَالْمُنْكَرِ وَالْبَغْيِ۰ۚ يَعِظُكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُوْنَ۹۰
Verily God has enjoined justice, the doing of good, and the giving of gifts to your relatives; and forbidden indecency, impropriety and oppression. He warns you so that you may remember.
