This hadith teaches one of the core values of Islamic faith which are sincere love and concern for others.
Arabic Text
الْحَدِيثُ الثَّالِث
عَنْ أَنَسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ((لاَ يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ)). رَوَاهُ الْبُخَارِيُّ وَمُسْلِم
Translation(Meaning)
On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said:
The Messenger of Allah (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Brief Explanation:
This hadith teaches one of the core values of Islamic faith which are sincere love and concern for others. The phrase “None of you truly believes…” means that faith is not complete or perfect unless a person possesses this quality (loves for his brother what he loves for himself).
“Loves for his brother…” refers to all other Muslims and, according to some scholars, all people in general.
“…what he loves for himself” means wishing good, success, guidance, safety, honour, and blessings for others just as you wish for yourself. It encourages genuine brotherhood, empathy, and selflessness not just in words, but in action.
Qur’anic verses
Surah Al-Hashr (59:9):
“…They give them preference over themselves, even though they are in need…”
This verse praises the Ansar (Helpers) of Madinah who gave generously to the Muhajirun (Emigrants), even if they themselves were poor this is a clear example of loving for others what they loved for themselves.
Surah Al-Imran (3:103):
“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided…”
This verse encourages unity and love among Muslims , unity that can only be achieved when we care for each other.
Some other related hadith:
1. The Prophet (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ) said:
“The believer to another believer is like a building whose parts support each other”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
This shows how Muslims are supposed to support one another , just like parts of a strong structure.
2. Another hadith:
“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another…”
(Sahih Muslim)
This teaches that Love for fellow Muslims is a sign of true faith
This hadith is a foundation of Islamic character and community life. If every Muslim practiced this sincerely, there would be no envy, hatred, or division — only brotherhood, peace, and shared happiness.
Allah(SWT) knows best!
