The Book of Faith - Sahih Muslim 45a

"None amongst you believes (truly) until he loves for his brother" - or he said "for his neighbour" - "that which he loves for himself."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith establishes a fundamental principle of Islamic ethics and brotherhood. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) makes the perfection of faith contingent upon this golden rule of conduct.

The variation between "brother" and "neighbour" demonstrates the comprehensive nature of this teaching, encompassing both religious brotherhood in Islam and universal human relations.

True faith (iman) is not merely a matter of verbal declaration or ritual observance, but must manifest in one's character and treatment of others. The believer's heart must be free from envy, malice, and selfishness.

Scholarly Interpretation

Classical scholars explain that this hadith establishes the standard for complete faith. The phrase "none amongst you believes" indicates that faith remains incomplete without this quality of selfless love for others.

Imam An-Nawawi comments that this encompasses all matters of religion and worldly life - whatever good one desires for oneself, one should desire for other Muslims.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali elaborates that this principle includes wishing for others what one wishes for oneself in terms of guidance, knowledge, righteous deeds, and all forms of goodness.

Practical Implications

This teaching requires Muslims to transcend selfish desires and cultivate genuine concern for the welfare of others. It prohibits envy when others receive blessings and encourages sharing in both joy and sorrow.

The application extends to material possessions, spiritual blessings, social standing, and all aspects of life where one might naturally be inclined to selfishness.

This hadith serves as a practical measure for self-examination: if one finds resentment in their heart when others receive blessings they themselves desire, their faith requires purification and strengthening.