Love for Your Brother What You Love for Yourself

Sahih al-Bukhari 13
Narrated Anas: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself.”

• The Prophet (ﷺ) stated that a person cannot truly have faith (iman) until they sincerely desire for their fellow Muslim what they desire for themselves. In other words, this hadith underscores the significance of selflessness, compassion, and genuine care for others within the Islamic faith. The meaning of this hadith is that a true believer is not only concerned with their own well-being and interests, but also actively seeks the well-being and prosperity of their fellow Muslims. It promotes the concept of brotherhood and sisterhood within the Muslim community, encouraging Muslims to treat others with the same kindness, consideration, and generosity that they would want for themselves. This hadith highlights the importance of having a positive and caring attitude towards others, and it serves as a reminder for Muslims to consistently practice empathy and goodwill in their interactions with their fellow Muslims. It encourages Muslims to be selfless and to prioritize the welfare and happiness of others, thereby fostering unity, compassion, and harmony within the Muslim community.

Qur’anic References

📖 Surah Al-Hashr (59:9)
“And they give them preference over themselves, even though they are in need. And whoever is saved from the greed of their own soul—it is they who will be successful.”
🔹 This verse reflects the same spirit of selflessness mentioned in the hadith, encouraging believers to prefer others’ well-being over their own.

📖 Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:2)
“Help one another in righteousness and piety, but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in punishment.”
🔹 This verse reinforces the idea that Muslims should actively support and wish well for each other in acts of goodness.

📖 Surah Al-Isra (17:7)
“If you do good, you do good for yourselves; and if you do evil, it is against yourselves.”
🔹 This verse aligns with the hadith’s message, indicating that wishing good for others is ultimately beneficial to oneself.

Conclusion

This hadith, supported by Qur’anic teachings, stresses the importance of unity, empathy, and genuine concern for others. Islam encourages believers to prioritize the happiness and success of their fellow Muslims, fostering a community built on love, trust, and mutual care.