Empathy
Mirza Rizwan Ali Baig (Hyderabad, Telangana, India) is a researcher and writer focused on Islam and Astronomy. A member of both NASA STEM and the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), his work in science outreach and religious thought is inspired by the wisdom and teachings of Imam Ali (AS), guiding his efforts to explore the intersection of faith and knowledge. He is on a personal journey to relearn Islam, recognizing how cultural influences, especially in South Asia, have shaped the understanding of the religion.
E
mpathy is a fundamental component of Islamic morality and faith. The lives of Islamic leaders like Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Imam Ali (AS) demonstrate that empathy is a spiritual duty rather than just a social ideal. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized that acts of empathy link people to divine mercy when he reminded his followers, “Whoever does not show mercy to others will not be shown mercy.” It is narrated that Imam Ali (AS) said “Show mercy to the weak among you, for their prayers and blessings bring sustenance and victory”. Neuroscience shows that empathy is both a spiritual and biological imperative through mirror neurons, which help us resonate with others’ emotions.
Yet, today, empathy is in decline. Social disconnection, hostility, and desensitization to suffering are becoming prevalent, damaging relationships and societal cohesion. This loss affects personal well-being, as individuals struggle to form meaningful bonds, and societal unity, as differences and conflict increase. The erosion of empathy also contradicts Islamic teachings. Reinstating empathy in our lives is crucial to reestablishing personal fulfilment and societal harmony in alignment with both spiritual and human values.
As mentioned earlier, empathy is deeply connected with Islam. Islam emphasizes justice and compassion in particular as fundamental principles, as evidenced by the lives of its esteemed leaders.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) showed unending compassion by helping the weak, such as widows, orphans, the impoverished, and even animals. It is narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said “He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while his neighbour goes hungry”, indicating that believers act with compassion. This idea emphasizes how crucial it is to put others’ needs ahead of one’s own to promote harmony and unity. “And they give food despite love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.” (Surah Al-Insan, 76:8)
By stating, “Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company.” Imam Ali (AS) further highlighted the need for empathy in fostering social ties. His life was filled with deeds of justice and charity; he frequently provided covert assistance to the underprivileged while maintaining their dignity. He said, “A Muslim’s rights toward another Muslim include helping to meet his needs, showing sympathy for his suffering, and forgiving his transgressions.”
Islamic teachings emphasize empathy for the family and the community in addition to interpersonal connections. “The right of your fellow believers is that you love for them what you love for yourself and hate for them what you hate for yourself,” said Imam Zainul Abideen (AS) in his Risalat al-Huqooq (Treatise of Rights). Such teachings encourage believers to cultivate relationships based on mutual care and respect.
The Impact of Technology and Modern Life on Human Connection
Technology has reshaped interactions, often reducing genuine human connection. Social media encourages surface-level interactions, prioritizes sensationalism, and fosters hostility through echo chambers. The anonymity of online platforms further dehumanizes interactions, distancing us from empathy. Social Media platforms often emphasize competition and self-promotion, overshadowing sincerity and humility. “The mutual rivalry for piling up worldly things diverts you, until you visit the graves.” (Surah At-Takathur, 102:1-2)
Excessive focus on materialism, as warned by Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS), “One who seeks the material world excessively forgets the hereafter”, weakens meaningful relationships. Islamic practices emphasize the importance of face-to-face relationships, which includes visiting the ill, sharing meals, and taking part in group prayers. Visit your brethren, for instance, as the Prophet (PBUH) taught that doing so fosters love and deepens ties. In ways that internet platforms cannot match.
The Spiritual and Psychological Consequences of Declining Empathy
From a psychological perspective, empathy promotes emotional support, which is essential for mental well-being. Loneliness, anxiety, and strained relationships result from its absence. Research highlights that practising empathy increases oxytocin levels, linked to trust and bonding, reducing anxiety and improving interpersonal relationships. Conversely, its absence leads to loneliness, depression, and heightened stress. To demonstrate how empathy for one another fortifies the social fabric.
Neuroscientific studies reveal how spirituality and biology intersect to foster empathy. Mirror neurons, located in the brain, are activated when we observe the emotions or actions of others, allowing us to resonate with their experiences. These neurons provide the biological foundation for understanding others’ feelings, forming the basis of emotional connections.
Oxytocin, often referred to as the “bonding hormone,” plays a crucial role in reinforcing trust and compassion. Research has shown that acts of kindness or receiving empathy can trigger the release of oxytocin, enhancing feelings of love, security, and social bonding. This biological mechanism mirrors the spiritual emphasis on collective well-being and mutual support found in Islamic teachings.
The Prophet (PBUH) compared believers to the bricks of a building, supporting one another. Imam Ali (AS) warned of the spiritual rebounds of a lack of compassion when he said, “Hard-heartedness removes blessings from one’s life.” “By the passage of time! Surely humanity is in grave loss, except those who have faith, do good, and urge each other to the truth, and urge each other to perseverance.” (Surah Al-Asr, 103:1-3)
Practical Steps to Rebuild Empathy
Islamic teachings provide practical guidance for fostering empathy in daily life:
- Acts of Kindness and Charity: Small acts of generosity, such as helping a neighbour or offering kind words, cultivate compassion. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Every act of kindness is charity,” encouraging believers to integrate empathy into their routines. Imam Ali (AS) added, “Give charity, even if it is a small deed, for small deeds have the potential to bring great rewards.”
- Community Engagement: Majlis gatherings and Friday prayers offer opportunities to reflect on compassion and justice while strengthening communal bonds. Limiting screen time and prioritizing face-to-face connections align with the principle of moderation and help rebuild personal relationships.
- Strengthening Family Ties: Family interactions, emphasized in Islamic teachings, are a foundation for nurturing empathy. Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (AS) taught, “Visit your brethren, for visiting a believer increases love and strengthens bonds.”
- Self-Reflection and Education: Studying the lives of Prophets and Imams inspires believers to embody their values. Practising muhasabah (self-accountability) allows individuals to reflect on their actions, cultivating a mindful commitment to empathy.
Conclusion
Empathy, deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, is essential for personal and societal well-being. Through the examples of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and ahlebait(A.S.), Islam underscores the importance of compassion in building a just and harmonious world.
By reviving empathy, believers realign with their spiritual and moral values, promoting justice, unity, and kindness. Guided by Islamic principles, acts of kindness, community engagement, and personal reflection can help bridge divides and restore human connection. As Imam Ali (AS) said, “The happiest of people is the one who brings happiness to others.” By embodying empathy, we create a legacy of compassion, ensuring a more empathetic and spiritually enriched world for future generations.
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