Islam Teaches Compassion for Fellow Human Beings

Islam is a religion of mercy, a culture of peace. The gist of its teachings is that people should love one another. They ought to become symbols of mercy for one another.

When you open the Quran you will find that it begins thus: “In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.” (1:1) This being the very first verse shows the importance of mercy, compassion and gentleness. When we are in the eyes of God, every act must become a symbol of mercy, compassion and gentleness. There should be no other feelings in one’s heart except for mercy and compassion for others.

Islam teaches the believer that when one meets another, he should greet him by saying Assalamu alaykum, that is to say ‘Peace be upon you’. He should express concern for peace and the security of others. Prayer is a form of worship in Islam which is performed five times a day. To conclude the prayer, the worshipper turns right and left and utters these words: May God’s peace and blessing be upon You.

In this way, Muslims are taught that they should have feelings of compassion for all human beings.

The truth is that Islam is the religion of mercy. All its teachings, directly or indirectly, relate to peace and harmony. Islam desires that everyone should have good feelings for everyone in his heart. He should see others as his very own, as human beings and not as friends or enemies.

This is the only way to build a better human society. This is repeatedly given special mention in Islam. A society in which these qualities exist will necessarily make progress. In such a society everyone will find that what he wants for himself will be given to him by others rather than what he does not want for himself.

Islam is a culture of peace. The gist of Islamic teachings is that people should love one another. They ought to become symbols of mercy for one another.