Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD

Abstract: This article reflects on a profound Hadith Qudsi that emphasizes compassion and kindness towards others as a path to divine reward. We explore how caring for people – through both actions and words – is central to Islamic ethics. By examining the hadith’s message and related Quranic and prophetic teachings, we highlight the importance of polite and kind speech, the avoidance of hate or hurtful words, and creating a safe space for everyone to express their views. The discussion is geared toward a general Muslim audience and delves into spiritual, ethical, and social dimensions of our interactions. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to embody empathy in both deeds and speech, knowing that how we treat others is intimately connected to our relationship with Allah.

A Hadith Qudsi on Compassion and Care

One of the remarkable sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a Hadith Qudsi (a “sacred” hadith in which Allah speaks in the first person through the Prophet). In this narration, the Prophet conveys Allah’s powerful words about kindness and neglect on the Day of Judgment. The hadith is as follows, in English and Arabic:

English: “Allah (mighty and sublime be He) will say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘O son of Adam, I fell ill and you visited Me not.’ He will say: ‘O Lord, and how should I visit You when You are the Lord of the worlds?’ Allah will say: ‘Did you not know that My servant So-and-so had fallen ill and you visited him not? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not.’ He will say: ‘O Lord, and how should I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds?’ Allah will say: ‘Did you not know that My servant So-and-so asked you for food and you fed him not? Did you not know that had you fed him you would surely have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me? O son of Adam, I asked you to give Me drink and you gave Me not to drink.’ He will say: ‘O Lord, how should I give You drink when You are the Lord of the worlds?’ Allah will say: ‘My servant So-and-so asked you to give him drink and you gave him not. Had you given him drink you would have surely found that with Me.’” sunnah.com sunnah.com

Arabic: “يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ، مَرِضْتُ فَلَمْ تَعُدْنِي… أَمَا عَلِمْتَ أَنَّكَ لَوْ عُدْتَهُ لَوَجَدْتَنِي عِنْدَهُ. يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ: اسْتَطْعَمْتُكَ فَلَمْ تُطْعِمْنِي… أَمَا عَلِمْتَ أَنَّكَ لَوْ أَطْعَمْتَهُ لَوَجَدْتَ ذَلِكَ عِنْدِي. يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ: اسْتَسْقَيْتُكَ فَلَمْ تَسْقِنِي… أَمَا إِنَّكَ لَوْ سَقَيْتَهُ لَوَجَدْتَ ذَلِكَ عِنْدِي” sunnah.com sunnah.com

(Narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah; recorded in Sahih Muslim sunnah.com.)

This sacred narration vividly teaches that Allah identifies with the suffering of His servants – the sick, the hungry, the thirsty – and He reproaches those who ignored them. Had we eased their suffering, we would have gained Allah’s pleasure and presence; by neglecting them, we earn His displeasure. The wording is figurative and poignant, intended to “soften our hearts” and spur us to show concern for people in need muslim.sg. In fact, such hadiths qudsi are known for their gentle phrasing and heart-touching message muslim.sg. This particular hadith emphasizes that acts of compassion are not just social duties but are beloved to Allah – so much so that helping a person in distress is metaphorically described as “visiting,” “feeding,” or “giving drink” to Allah Himself.

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