By Maryam Muhammed

Islam presents kindness not as sentiment but as strength, worship, and social responsibility.

Sometimes, the world feels fast amidst noise, pressure, and pain. Yet, in the midst of all this, a simple act can bring back our faith in humanity: someone holds a door open; someone gives without expecting anything in return; someone checks on you, prays for you, feeds you, or forgives you. In such moments, we are reminded that kindness still exists.

Kindness is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It is a universal language, understood by the rich and the poor, the young and the old, regardless of race, religion, or background. Kindness is gentle, but it is not weak. In fact, it takes  strength to remain kind in a cruel world. It requires courage to choose gentleness after being hurt, to forgive after being wronged, and to give even when one has little. These are the moments that make the world a better place to live in and to grow in.

The Qur’an is filled with divine calls to kindness. In Surah An-Naḥl (16:90), Allah declares: “Indeed, Allah commands justice and kindness…”,placing kindness alongside justice, a foundational pillar of society This divine pairing reveals that kindness is not a passive emotion or optional virtue; it is a way of living, a moral duty, and a collective responsibility upon individuals and communities alike.

In Islam, kindness is not merely a moral virtue; it is an act of worship. Every sincere act of kindness draws a believer closer to Allah. Feeding a hungry animal, giving water to someone in need, helping one’s parents, or visiting the sick are all deeds written as acts of reward. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Do not consider any act of kindness insignificant, even if it is meeting your brother with a cheerful face(Muslim). Such is the beauty of kindness in Islam,even a simple smile can be an act of worship.

In addition,the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the best of creation, was the very embodiment of kindness. He taught that, “Kindness is not found in anything except that it adds to its beauty, and it is not withdrawn from anything except that it makes it defective”(Sahih Muslim). His life was filled with tender moments: comforting a grieving child, feeding the poor, forgiving those who harmed him, and showing mercy even to animals. In another well-known narration, he ﷺ said:“He who is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully” (Bukhari & Muslim). This  reminder calls upon us to become bearers of compassion in a world that can often be harsh. Islam teaches that every act of kindness,even removing a harmful object from the road,is a form of charity (ṣadaqah). It is not about grand gestures but about intention, sincerity, and the state of the heart.

It is worthy of note that when we act with kindness, we reflect the mercy of our Creator Ar-Raḥmān, Ar-Raḥīm. We become sources of ease in the lives of others, just as we hope Allah will be gentle with us on the Day of Judgment. A kind word can pull someone back from the edge of despair. A smile can plant hope. A listening ear can revive a broken heart. If the world became a place where people held doors open, offered food without being asked, forgave instead of retaliating, checked on their neighbours, and gave without expecting anything in return,what kind of world would it be?

Kindness, however, is not merely about being “nice.” It is about healing, uplifting, and connecting. Ibn Taymiyyah (raḥimahullāh) once said: “The people most beloved to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.” This reflects the very essence of kindness,making life easier, lighter, and more beautiful for someone else. Kindness is not weakness; it is strength wrapped in softness. It is proof that even in a hard world, we do not have to be hard-hearted.

Kindness multiplies. One act inspires another. A child raised with kindness learns empathy. A society that honours kindness builds trust. An Ummah grounded in mercy becomes unbreakable. When kindness is practised sincerely for the sake of Allah, it returns in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. The Prophet ﷺ supplicated: “O Allah, guide me to the best of character, for none can guide to it but You”(Muslim). Kindness may not always be easy, but it is always worth it.

Yā qurrā’a( oh,my readers)you have been reminded once again: let your kindness be a reflection of your faith, not your moods,a quiet testimony of īmān lived, not merely professed. Do not wait for the big moments. Show mercy in the little things. In the end, what we give of ourselves is what truly remains. And perhaps, through kindness, we build not only a better world but a world that is more pleasing to our Creator. And what greater thing is there?


Salam alaykum waramotullahi wabarakhatu.