Why Be Kind? (Prophetic Sayings & Counsels)

Kindness is…

In many sayings of the Prophet SAW, the word kindness is described to be a praiseworthy trait.

Many words are used in many of the Prophet SAW’s sayings to describe kindness or gentleness. One of which is Ar-Rifq (الرِّفْقَ) 

The one who has Ar-Rifq is one who is easy to be around, gentle, loving and light-hearted. As human beings we naturally incline to softness and repel from harshness.

Ar-Rifq is what soothes the heart and eases the soul, radiating a form of warmth to the creations around it. The Prophet SAW was the best example for this trait.

Kindness is the trait of Allah SWT

‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Allah is Forbearer and loves forbearance in all matters.”

(Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

In many ways, Allah SWT is kind, gentle and forbearing to His servants. He gives many chances to us, loves us and blesses us in many ways. Allah SWT says in Surah An-Nahl 18:

وَإِن تَعُدُّوا نِعمَةَ ٱللَّهِ لَا تُحصُوهَآ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيم

If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you would never be able to number them. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Hellfire will be forbidden for the kind soul.

Why be kind, we may ask? There is a huge protection and reward for those who exude kindness. In an authentic Hadith, the Prophet SAW emphasises this;

Jabir reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Shall I not tell you upon whom the Hellfire is forbidden tomorrow? It is everyone gentle, lenient, accessible, and easy-going.”

(Musnad Abī Ya’lá)

Those who are kind will find goodness wherever he goes

Abu Ad-Darda narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:

“Whoever was given his share of gentleness, then he has been given a share of good. And whoever has been prevented from his share of gentleness, then he has been prevented from his share of good.”

(At-Tirmidzi)

Do not forget that any form of gentleness will receive a similar sense of goodness, in ways that is best for the individual. Strive to be gentle, and you shall receive good, as Allah SWT promises:

هَل جَزَآءُ ٱلإِحسَٰنِ إِلَّا ٱلإِحۡسَٰنُ

“Is there any reward for goodness except goodness?

(Surah Ar-Rahman, verse 60)

Kindness & Compassion in an Unkind World

In a world where kindness seems to be an anomaly, remember that kindness is what sparks hope, comfort and betterment. Jarir bin ‘Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “He who is deprived of forbearance and gentleness is, in fact, deprived of all good.”

(Muslim)

Use kindness as a light to unkindness, and remind the self that harshness will not bring any source of goodness as Allah SWT says in Surah Ali Imran Verse 159:

وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لَانفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ

“And if you (Oh Muhammad) had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.”

Kindness is never a weakness

One must always be cautious with the understanding of kindness. While kindness is gentleness and leniency, this is not to say that it is an attitude that justifies any act of evil. One can still remain kind wherever he or she lands without compromising Islamic values or principles.

Kindness is not a weakness, rather it is a strength. Find the balance in being kind and brave, for these traits are what makes a true Muslim. Remain calm in speech, yet strong in values. Remain gentle to people, yet have a strong love for truth and justice.