The Book Of Faith and its Signs - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5039

The Prophet [SAW] said: "None of you has believed until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."

Commentary on the Hadith

This noble hadith establishes one of the fundamental pillars of complete faith (iman). The phrase "none of you has believed" indicates that perfect faith cannot be attained without this quality of brotherly love and selflessness.

The expression "until he loves for his brother" encompasses all Muslims, as the term "brother" here refers to the brotherhood in faith. This love must manifest in practical matters - desiring for fellow believers the same blessings, guidance, protection from harm, and spiritual excellence that one desires for oneself.

This teaching elevates the Muslim community beyond mere ritual observance to a state of mutual care and compassion. It requires the purification of the heart from envy, malice, and selfishness. When a believer truly internalizes this principle, they cannot bear to see their brother in faith deprived of what they themselves enjoy.

The scholars explain that this hadith complements the declaration of faith (shahadah) and other pillars of Islam, showing that true belief must transform one's character and social interactions. It is a comprehensive standard by which the completeness of one's faith may be measured.