In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Kindness
Kind: benevolent nature, considerate, gentle, clement, indulgent, humane, helpful, compassionate
[24:20] God showers you with His grace and mercy. God is Most Kind (towards the believers), Most Merciful. وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ رَءُوفٌ رَحِيمٌ
[85:14] And He is the Forgiving, Most Kind. وَهُوَ الْغَفُورُ الْوَدُودُ
Believers are commanded in Quran to strive in following God's example to be kind. They are required to be stern or firm in times of standing for and validating God's laws, teachings and ethics. Other than that, believers are commanded to set the righteous example and extend compassion and clemency towards all fellow humans. This righteous example of kindness set by the believers represents the beauty of God's message and tends to facilitate its recognition and spread.
Kindness does not come easily as human beings are naturally selfish and ego is always battling humility and causes most of us to be inconsiderate and ruthless. It takes energy, practice, perseverance, patience and a reasonable level of awareness to develop, maintain and express our grace. It is a sign of true belief when we choose this hard work to have kindness as an integral part of our character and behavior.
Qualities of the Believers [48:29] Muhammad - the messenger of GOD - and those with him are harsh and stern against the disbelievers, but kind and compassionate amongst themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, as they seek GOD's blessings and approval. Their marks are on their faces, because of prostrating. This is the same example as in the Torah. Their example in the Gospel is like plants that grow taller and stronger, and please the farmers. He thus enrages the disbelievers. GOD promises those among them who believe, and lead a righteous life, forgiveness and a great recompense.
The Messenger's Kindness [3:159] It was mercy from GOD that you became compassionate towards them. Had you been harsh and mean-hearted, they would have abandoned you. Therefore, you shall pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them. Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in GOD. GOD loves those who trust in Him.*
[90:17] And being one of those who believe, and exhorting one another to be steadfast, and exhorting one another to be kind.
[52:26] They will say, "We used to be kind and humble among our people.
[52:27] "GOD has blessed us, and has spared us the agony of ill winds.
How to Spread God's Message [16:125] You shall invite to the path of your Lord with wisdom and kind enlightenment, and debate with them in the best possible manner. Your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path, and He knows best who are the guided ones.
Certain commandments from God force the believers to practice kindness. For example, God commands us to give to charity. Charity, when done sincerely, is an expression of kindness towards our souls and others, while stinginess is an act of selfishness and heartlessness. The manner in which we give and deal with the poor and the beggars is taught in Quran. It must be a respectful and compassionate manner. We are also commanded to treat our parents with respect and honor, and to regard the relatives, the orphans, and the poor. We are advised to help the believers who immigrate in the cause of God - this is an act of kindness. Responding to others' greetings and making room when being asked to move are ways of being courteous towards others.
It is prohibited for us to mock people, or put others down. These are signs of insecure, disturbed minds and wild egos, while words of kindness, encouragement and praise are signs of true inner peace and grace. We are told to walk the earth gently and be humble. During tough times, we are tested if we will maintain our kindness and grace. Examples are giving to charity at bad times and treating our spouses amicably while going through separation and divorce:
[2:237] If you divorce them before touching them, but after you had set the dowry for them, the compensation shall be half the dowry, unless they voluntarily forfeit their rights, or the party responsible for causing the divorce chooses to forfeit the dowry. To forfeit is closer to righteousness. You shall maintain the amicable relations among you. GOD is Seer of everything you do.
[3:134] who give to charity during the good times, as well as the bad times. They are suppressors of anger, and pardoners of the people. GOD loves the charitable.
[2:262] Those who spend their money in the cause of GOD, then do not follow their charity with insult or harm, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.
[2:263] Kind words and compassion are better than a charity that is followed by insult. GOD is Rich, Clement.
[93:10] Nor shall you reprimand the beggar.
[ 17:23 ] Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship except Him, and your parents shall be honored. As long as one or both of them live, you shall never say to them, "Uff" (the slightest gesture of annoyance), nor shall you shout at them; you shall treat them amicably.
[ 17:24 ] And lower for them the wings of humility, and kindness, and say, "My Lord, have mercy on them, for they have raised me from infancy."
The Commandments [2:83] We made a covenant with the Children of Israel: "You shall not worship except GOD. You shall honor your parents and regard the relatives, the orphans, and the poor. You shall treat the people amicably. You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat)." But you turned away, except a few of you, and you became averse.
[24:22] Those among you who are blessed with resources and wealth shall be charitable towards their relatives, the poor, and those who have immigrated for the sake of GOD. They shall treat them with kindness and tolerance; do you not love to attain GOD's forgiveness? GOD is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
[4:5] Do not give immature orphans the properties that GOD has entrusted with you as guardians. You shall provide for them therefrom, and clothe them, and treat them kindly.
[4:8] During distribution of the inheritances, if relatives, orphans, and needy persons are present, you shall give them therefrom, and treat them kindly.
You Shall Be Courteous [4:86] When greeted with a greeting, you shall respond with a better greeting or at least an equal one. GOD reckons all things.
You Shall Be Courteous [4:86] When greeted with a greeting, you shall respond with a better greeting or at least an equal one. GOD reckons all things.
[58:11] O you who believe, if you are told, "Please make room," you shall make room for each other to sit. GOD will then make room for you. If you are asked to get up and move, get up and move. GOD raises those among you who believe, and those who acquire knowledge to higher ranks. GOD is fully Cognizant of everything you do.
Believers Set the Example [49:11] O you who believe, no people shall ridicule other people, for they may be better than they. Nor shall any women ridicule other women, for they may be better than they. Nor shall you mock one another, or make fun of your names. Evil indeed is the reversion to wickedness after attaining faith. Anyone who does not repent after this, these are the transgressors.
[ 17:37 ] You shall not walk proudly on earth - you cannot bore through the earth, nor can you be as tall as the mountains.
Upholding all of God's commands, teachings and ethics in Quran, firmly, is the ultimate and most inclusive level of kindness towards our souls:
[91:7] The soul and Him who created it.
[91:8] Then showed it what is evil and what is good.
[91:9] Successful is one who redeems it.
[91:10] Failing is one who neglects it.
[7:174] We thus explain the revelations, to enable the people to redeem themselves.*
Peaceful Friday, salaam and God bless.