Compassion in Islam
"Compassion represents the true spirit of Islam and compassion is far more vital to Islamic teachings than any thing else."
- K M Zubai, Khaleej Times (2014)
- Ashgar Ali Engineer, Islamicity (2018)
Reflection
Compassion in Islam
K M Zubair, Khaleel Time (July 9, 2014)
Compassion represents the true spirit of Islam and compassion is far more vital to Islamic teachings than any thing else. There are certain key words in the Holy Quran which are greatly stressed of which four are very often repeated i.e. rahmah, ihsan ‘adl, and hikmah (compassion, benevolence, justice and wisdom).
The principle of compassion, in fact, lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us always to treat all others as we wish to be treated ourselves. Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to dethrone ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the inviolable sanctity of every single human being, treating everybody, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.
COMPASSION PRACTICES OF ISLAM
Invoking Compassion Within
by Habīb Todd Boerger
The Interfaith Observer (January 15, 2019)
In considering the topic of compassion, I am reminded that each of the Abrahamic faiths directs us to love and care for others – those who are poor, those who are needy, neighbors and strangers – as we love and care for ourselves. My approach to understanding compassion is grounded in my religion (Islam) and my spiritual practices as a Muslim, as well as in my experience of God during my ‘most human’ moments. . . .
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The words of the Basmala invite us to consider a mother’s love for her unborn child, the function of the placenta and the umbilical cord, and so on, and to consider how much greater is the love of the Creator Who designed this system of inherent care in motherhood. God’s description of Herself as the universally merciful and singularly compassionate Lord connotes the concept of love that is like a mother’s womb. Through the language of the Qur’ān, God is invoking this loving care and reminding us of Her mercy, a mercy that is of love, of creating and sustaining, of caring, of compassion, grace, and giving – that transcends all perceived boundaries and reaches all of creation – a mercy that is so vast we only get glimpses of it, even when we experience immersion in its ocean.