The Power of Empathy: Loving for Others What You Love for Yourself

Cultivating True Faith through Selfless Love

Love For Others What You Love For Yourself 

Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet ﷺ said: 

((لا يؤمنُ أحدكم حتى يُحِبَّ لأخيه ما يُحِبُّ لنفسه))

“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [Agreed upon]

Sheikhul Uthaymeen rahimahullah explained:

“This hadith indicates that if someone dislikes for his brother what he loves for himself, or loves for his brother what he dislikes for himself, then he is not a true believer, meaning his Eman is not complete.

It also suggests that such behavior constitutes a MAJOR SIN; if you desire for your brother what you dislike for yourself or dislike for him what you desire for yourself.

Therefore, it is essential for you, O Muslim brother, to cultivate yourself in this manner, to love for your fellow Muslims what you love for yourself, in order to achieve true Eman. The Prophet ﷺ also said:

((من أَحَبَّ أن يُزحزَح عن النار ويُدخَلَ الجنة، فلْتَأتِهِ مَنِيَّتُه وهو يؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر، ويحب أن يأتي إلى الناس ما يُؤتى إليه)) 

“Whoever wishes to be removed from the Fire and admitted to Paradise should have his death come while he believes in Allah and the Last Day, and comes to people as he wishes others to come to him.”

شرح رياض الصالحين» (2/ 589 – 590)