What it is like to be kind?

Being kind is defined as having the traits of generosity, consideration, graciousness, and warmth. Unfortunately, generosity has occasionally been mistaken for ignorance and weakness, but it is not. The reality is that kindness frequently requires for strength & endurance. Human connection is facilitated by kindness, which also lowers the likelihood of discomfort and conflict—which are common in almost every aspect of life. Islam compels generosity towards all persons, but particularly to certain types, such as parents and children. The Quran places a lot of emphasis on this trait.

Allah says in Quran in the following verse that:

“And ˹remember˺ when We took a covenant from the children of Israel ˹stating˺, “Worship none but Allah; be kind to parents, relatives, orphans and the needy; speak kindly to people; establish prayer; and pay alms-tax.” But you ˹Israelites˺ turned away—except for a few of you—and were indifferent [2:83]”.

Why Allah loves kindness?

Kindness and gentleness are among the traits of a positive character that Allah loves the most. Kindness and gentleness are qualities which Allah has allocate a special award.

In one of Hadiths, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) has stated as narrated by Hazrat Aisha (R.A) that he has once said to her:

“O Aisha, Allah is gentle and He loves gentleness. He rewards for gentleness what is not granted for harshness and He does not reward anything else like it [Sahih Muslim 2593]”.

Things to do while being kind and generous

Following is some of most important pointers which people could follow in order to be kind and gentle towards others:

• Before we talk, we should first think.
• Before taking revenge, be forgiving.
• Rather than short-term ego, consider long-term relationships.
• Remembering that no one of us is flawless, always practice kindness and grace.

The first step in being kind is to show kindness to our own selves and those around us. Because it is our tendency to acquire by imitating others (a process known as associative learning), when we show kindness, people can gain insight from our decisions and behaviours. This is extremely effective particularly in encouraging children to be kind.

Allah has advised people towards kindness in the following verse:

“Be gracious, enjoin what is right, and turn away from those who act ignorantly [7:199] ”

Small Gestures of Kindness

A simple smile, praises, or even keeping the door open for somebody can start a chain of kindness. Regardless of whether the person you show kindness to will not show kindness in response, you've still made a subconscious positive impact on their life, resulting in an effect on them by raising their serotonin levels or perhaps even implicitly inspiring them to show kindness to others.

Since genuine kindness involves sincerity, just be mindful not to unconsciously have expectations of being rewarded for our acts of generosity. We all occasionally have a subliminal expectation of receiving some sort of reward or response. When this happens, be truthful with yourself about how you're experiencing and just remind oneself that Allah is the only one who can grant you Jannah, thus you should keep your positive deeds to yourself.

Smiling is indeed the smallest yet most effective gesture of kindness. Following hadiths are supporting this statement:

Abdullah ibn Al-Harith ibn Hazm said, “I have never seen anyone who smiles more than the Prophet does.” [At-Tirmidhi]

Jarir ibn Abdullah said: “Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) never refused me permission to see him since I embraced Islam and never looked at me but with a smile” [Sahih Muslim].

Abu Dhar narrated from the Prophet that he said, “Do not disdain a good deed, (no matter how small it may seem) even if it is your meeting with your brother with a cheerful face” [Sahih Muslim].

Where Kindness would lead us to?

Allah requires us to spread kindness throughout our life. Whenever we follow the road of Islam and practise compassion with such indulgence, we will undoubtedly be on Allah's guided path, and He will lead us all the way to the beautiful ending of our lives.

Allah says in Quran in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 69:

“As for those who struggle in Our cause, We will surely guide them along Our Way. And Allah is certainly with the good-doers” [29: 69] ”.

The Al Qur'an commands us to show kindness to everyone, whether they are close by or random people. Our prophet also mentioned that if we eat to our satisfaction while the person next to us is starving, we are not true believers. He also stated that if we have safety but our neighbours are not safe from his harmful behaviour, we are not believers. Our prophets have always emphasised the advantages of charity.