Why We Need to Uphold Altruism as a Path to Compassion in Our Daily Life

You will not attain righteousness until you spend in charity from what you love. And whatever you spend, indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.”— Qur’an 3[Al-’Imran]:92

In the heat of the Battle of Yarmuk, where Muslims fought the Byzantines, an extraordinary story of selflessness emerged. Three companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ lay gravely wounded, and in dire need of quenching their thirst.

Instead of drinking water, each of them insisted that the water be given to another injured companion nearby. This act of kindness and love continued until, tragically, all three passed away before drinking. Al-Harith ibn Hisham asked for water, but when he saw Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl nearby, he insisted that the water be given to him first. Ikrimah, in turn, saw Ayyash ibn Abi Rabi’ah and urged that the water be given to Ayyash instead.

Tragically, as the water bearer reached Ayyash, he had passed away. Returning to Al-Harith and Ikrimah, they too had succumbed to their injuries. This powerful example from Islamic history teaches us about the essence of altruism — putting others before ourselves, even in the most difficult times.

What is Altruism in Islam?

Altruism, or selfless concern for the well-being of others, is a core value in Islam. It’s not just about giving money or food; it’s about genuinely caring for others, sometimes even at the cost of our own comfort. The Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasize that true altruism is about sacrifice and compassion, qualities that can strengthen communities and bring us closer to Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: A Model of Altruism

The life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is filled with examples of selflessness. One notable instance is his care for the As’hab al-Suffah, a group of poor companions who lived in his mosque. Despite having little himself, the Prophet ﷺ often shared his food with them and encouraged others to do the same. Allah tells us about this in the Qur’an:

And they give food despite their love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, saying: ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.’” — Qur’an 76[Al-Insan]:8–9

The Prophet’s ﷺ life teaches us that altruism isn’t just a grand gesture — it’s about consistent, everyday acts of kindness.

The Companions: Living Examples of Altruism

The companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also embodied altruism through their actions. Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, for example, once donated all his wealth for the sake of Allah. When asked what he had left for his family, he replied:

“I have left them with Allah and His Messenger.”

The Ansar of Madinah also displayed remarkable altruism when they welcomed the Muhajiroon, emigrants from Mecca, into their homes. They shared their wealth, homes, and resources, even though they were in need themselves.

One prominent story that comes to mind is that of AbdurRahman ibn Auf and Saad ibn Al-Rabi. When the migrants from Mecca got to Madinah, Allah’s Apostle paired a companion from Mecca to be hosted by one from Madinah to get settled and integrated easily into the community in Madinah.

Saad told AbdurRahman, I have two wives and you can choose either of them that suits you, I will divorce her so you can keep her as yours. Here’s my wealth, I share it in half so you can keep it as yours. One may think this is the hallmark of selflessness right? Surprisingly, AbdurRahman in return displayed true altruism as well. He said: may Allah bless your household and wealth, just show me the way to the market.

Allah recognized this spirit of selflessness such that He narrated to us this ordeal briefly in the Qur’an:

They give the emigrants preference over themselves even though they may be in need. And whoever is saved from the selfishness of their souls, it is they who are truly successful.” — Qur’an 59[Al-Hashr]:9

Altruism Isn’t Just About Money

You might think, “I’m not wealthy, so how can I be altruistic?” Altruism in Islam goes beyond financial charity. It can be as simple as volunteering your time, offering a kind word, or helping someone in need.

For example, Abu Bakr, even as the leader of the Muslims, would help a blind woman with her daily chores. Umar, another companion, would often walk the streets at night to ensure everyone was safe and had enough to eat. These acts show that anyone can practice altruism, regardless of financial situation.

The Rewards of Altruism

Altruism doesn’t just benefit others — it’s also enriching for us. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

Charity does not decrease wealth. No one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor. And no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.” — Sahih Muslim

The Khalifah, Uthman Ibn Affan understood this to the point that he once said when giving charity: ‘I need the reward much more than the beggar who requires the money’.

This means that when we give to others, whether it’s money, time, or effort, Allah blesses us in return. The concept of barakah — divine blessing in Islam teaches us that selfless acts bring spiritual and sometimes even material benefits.

Making Altruism Part of Daily Life

Altruism in Islam isn’t just about big acts of charity — it’s about small, everyday actions. Allah’s Apostle ﷺ said: ‘Every act of kindness is charity’. And this can include smiling at someone, helping a neighbor, or even picking up trash from the street. When done with sincere intentions, these small acts of kindness carry immense value in Islam.

Incorporating altruism into daily life doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few practical ways to make it part of your routine:

1. Small Acts of Kindness: Simple gestures like holding the door open for someone, offering a genuine compliment, or helping a neighbor with groceries can make a big difference.
2. Volunteering Your Time: Dedicate a few hours each week to volunteer at a local charity, community center, or mosque. Whether it’s tutoring, helping at a food bank, or participating in community cleanups, your time is valuable.
3. Supporting Others: If you have a skill, like writing, cooking, or teaching, offer it to those who need it. You could help someone with their resume, cook a meal for a family in need, or tutor and mentor a younger student.
4. Listening and Offering Emotional Support: Sometimes, just being there for someone who needs to talk is an act of altruism. Make time to listen to friends or family members who may be going through tough times.
5. Sharing Resources: Share what you have with others, whether it’s food, clothes, or even knowledge. If you’ve read a great book or learned something new, pass it on to someone who might benefit.
6. Environmental Responsibility: Practice altruism towards the planet by reducing waste, recycling, and conserving energy. These actions help protect the environment for future generations.
7. Spreading Positivity and Love: Use your tongue to share positive messages, encourage others, and give glad tidings not discourage and criticize everything people do by finding faults only. This can inspire others to become better and altruistic as well.

These simple actions, when done consistently, can make altruism a natural part of your daily life.

Conclusion

True altruism in Islam is about more than just giving money — it’s about selflessness, compassion, and the sincere desire to help others for the sake of Allah. Whether it’s through donating, volunteering, or simply being kind, every act of altruism brings us closer to our faith and each other. In a world where self-interest often takes center stage, Islamic altruism reminds us of the power of giving. By embracing and practicing altruism in our daily lives, we can contribute to a more compassionate and just world, reflecting the true spirit of Islam.

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Yaumul Jumah 10th Safar 1446H // Friday 16th August 2024

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