Hadith #1314

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "إنَّ المُؤْمِنينَ مُشْفِقُونَ" which translates to

Believers are indeed compassionate.

In this profound statement, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the essential quality of compassion that should be inherent in every believer.

The word (mushfiqoon) "مُشْفِقُونَ" is derived from the root word (shafaqa) "شَفَقَ", which means to feel concern, empathy, and compassion towards others. It signifies a deep sense of care and consideration for the well-being of others. This attribute of compassion is not only encouraged but also expected from every Muslim.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of compassion in numerous verses. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Balad (90:17-18),

But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what can make you know what is the difficult pass? It is the freeing of a slave or feeding on a day of severe hunger.

These verses highlight the significance of showing compassion by freeing slaves and feeding the hungry, indicating that compassion is an integral part of a believer's character.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Isra (17:24), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.

This verse advises Muslims to strike a balance in their acts of compassion, neither being miserly nor extravagant. It encourages believers to be compassionate without burdening themselves to the point of insolvency.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the importance of compassion not only towards fellow Muslims but also towards all of humanity. Compassion is not limited to providing material assistance but also extends to emotional support, understanding, and kindness. It involves putting oneself in the shoes of others, feeling their pain, and taking action to alleviate their suffering.

The consequences of embodying compassion are far-reaching. It fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community, strengthens relationships, and promotes a culture of empathy and care. Compassion also has a transformative effect on individuals, purifying their hearts and increasing their proximity to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is through acts of compassion that believers can truly emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of the importance of cultivating compassion in our daily lives. We should strive to be sensitive to the needs of others, extend a helping hand to those in distress, and treat everyone with kindness and respect. By doing so, we not only fulfill our duty as believers but also contribute to a more compassionate and just society.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody compassion in our actions and interactions, and may He bless us with the guidance to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble family.