“In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful“¹ the opening verse by which the Quran begins stresses on the significance of divine mercy at the very start of almost all its chapters. The principles of compassion (رحمة) and empathy stand as base of our faith, prescribed by the Qur’an and Sunnah. Allah’s attributes as ” الرحمن” [The Most Compassionate] and “الرحيم” [The Most Merciful] establishes the foundational ground of divine mercy that permeates the entirety of Islamic teachings. This invocation is not merely a phrase but a reminder of the intrinsic worth of compassion that believers are mandated to assimilate. Our Prophet Muhammad PBUH further shed light on this when he SAW said, “The merciful are shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and the One above the heavens will show mercy to you“². This hadith establishes a reciprocal and symbiotic bond between divine mercy and human compassion, forming an ethical, interdependent connection for Muslims.
Allah declares in The Qur’an, “My mercy encompasses all things“³, signifying that Allah’s mercy is boundless and extends to every aspect of creation. This is echoed again, where it is stated, “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah“⁴.The Prophet’s (PBUH) commended a prostitute who, despite her social standing, was promised Jannah for quenching the thirst of a dog⁵. Another hadith recounts how the Prophet admonished his companions to treat animals with kindness after witnessing a camel overburdened to the point of collapse. He instructed, “Ride these animals properly and feed them properly“⁵, highlighting the ethical treatment of all living beings.
The ethical obligation of compassion doesn’t come to an end here, it extends to societal directives too such as aiding the poor and protecting orphans. The Qur’an sternly advices those who neglect these duties, stating, “Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor“⁷. Furthermore, stressing on the importance of social justice, particularly in caring for the poor and orphans, Allah SWT mentions, “So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him]. And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him]“⁸ . Such verses show that rituals and prayers are hollow if not accompanied by compassion and mercy towards the vulnerable.
Through these divine directives and prophetic character, it is evident that compassion and empathy are not just aspirational ideals. They set an example. The Muslim ummah is called upon to internalize, introspect and work towards manifesting these values, thereby fulfilling their spiritual obligations and showcasing the true essence of Islam to the world. Muslims are charged with the responsibility of acting as ambassadors of their faith. The Qur’an proclaims, “You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah“⁹, thereby instructing Muslims to rise to represent the highest moral standards. We must recognize that it’s through our actions and behaviours that are scrutinized and often shape the perceptions in minds of non-believers. It is through the consistent display of compassion and empathy that we can effectively counteract negative stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam.
In the society we survive in today, The Rise and Rise of Islamophobia, often fueled by misconceptions and a lack of understanding of the core principles of Islam. Addressing these misconceptions is important, as it not only rectifies but also depicts the true essence of Islamic teachings rooted in compassion and empathy. The Qur’an emphatically declares the value of every human life, stating, “Whoever kills a soul unless for a soul or for corruption [done] in the land – it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one – it is as if he had saved mankind entirely”¹⁰. This verse unequivocally sheds light on not just the importance of each soul but also the quintessential ethical responsibility to preserve it, countering the false-narrative that Islam condones and promotes violence.
Moreover, the Qur’an directs justice and kindness even towards those who oppose Muslims, articulating, “And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just, that is nearer to righteousness“¹¹. The phenomenon of Islamophobia often stems from a selective and skewed portrayal of Islamic teachings, particularly by those unfamiliar with its true doctrines. The Qur’an instructs Muslims to engage in interfaith discussions and build steps of understanding, stating, “And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best“¹² . This verse advocates for respectful and constructive engagement with followers of other faiths, building mutual respect and debunking myths about Islam.
By consistently demonstrating these values in their interactions and societal contributions, Muslims can effectively challenge and dismantle the foundations of Islamophobia. The ethical base dictated in our manuals- The Qur’an and Ahadiths, serves as a powerful counter-narrative to the misconceptions that have taken birth. Through these actions, Muslims can strick the true spark of Islam, promoting a more accurate understanding among non-believers and contributing to a more harmonious global society. The Qur’an’s affirmation, “Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who are doers of good“¹³, inspires us to act with kindness and justice, fostering a society grounded in mercy and understanding. The last messenger of Allah (PBUH) his life, his teachings, such as “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbour to his side goes hungry“¹⁴, emphasize the ethical obligation to care for others, irrespective of their faith or background.
The life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) provides a timeless example of how compassion can transform the world. His actions, driven by a deep sense of empathy, teach us that true strength lies in caring for others. As he said, “The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy, are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever“¹⁵ .This powerful message challenges us to see the suffering of others as our own and to respond with undesirable support and compassion.
In a world where misconceptions and prejudice often overshadow the true essence of Islam, it is our collective responsibility to shine a light on the values that define our faith. The Qur’an reminds us, “Good and evil are not equal. Repel evil by that which is better; and thereupon, the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend“¹⁶ . Unlike the previous one this verse should also challenge us to respond to hostility with goodness, transforming adversaries into allies.
As the Qur’an assures, “Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good”. Through faith in action, serving humanity with compassion and empathy, we can truly reflect the merciful essence of our Creator and build a world of understanding and peace. We must ask ourselves: How can we build a character with the principles of compassion and empathy in our daily lives? How can we, as individuals and as a community, rise to the challenge of portraying the true essence of Islam through our actions?
The answers lie within us!
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¹Qur’an 1:1. Sahih International Translation.
²Collected by Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1924, 3/483, Graded Sahih (authentic)
³Qur’an 7:156. Sahih International Translation.
⁴Qur’an 39:53. Sahih International Translation.
⁵Collected by Sahih al Bukhari Volume 4, Book 56, Number 673, Graded Sahih (authentic)
⁶Collected by Sunan Abi Dawud Volume 4, Book 15, Hadith 2542, Graded Sahih (Al-Albani)
⁷Quran 107:1-3 Sahih International Translation.
⁸Quran 93:9-10 Sahih International Translation.
⁹Quran 3:110 Sahih International Translation.
¹⁰Quran 5:32 Sahih International Translation.
¹¹Quran 5:9 Sahih International Translation.
¹²Quran 29:46 Sahih International Translation
¹³Quran 16:128 Sahih International Translation.
¹⁴Collected by Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 112, Book 6, Hadith 112, Graded Sahih (Al-Albani)
¹⁵Collected by Muttafaqun Alayah Riyad as-Salihin 224, Number 224, Graded Sahih (authentic)
¹⁶Quran 41:34 Sahih International Translation.
¹⁷Quran 7:56 Sahih International Translation.
The authors of this article, Mohammed Salman Siddiqui and Ammarah Ishaq, are second-year law students at the University College of Law. They posses a keen dedication and passion towards researching and writing on legal and societal issues. Their writing’s are prominently published in India’s leading law portals, including Live Law, Bar and Bench, and The Leaflet, in addition to their contributions to Radiance Views weekly, Aura and The Companion.
