Faith and Mission

The Bible has much to teach us about having compassion for our neighbour and the environment. The Greek and Hebrew words translated as "compassion" in the Bible speak to having mercy or being moved with sympathetic pity. God’s compassion is seen throughout the Bible where we read about God’s compassionate and sympathetic actions for the suffering of all people. 

God sees our distress and takes pity on us. However, God’s compassion is more than mere sympathy and pity. God's compassion is related to mercy, kindness, patience, grace, forgiveness, and love. In fact, some of these attributes are so related and interwoven that identifying differences between them is difficult, but what we do know, God's compassion compels action.

We also see compassion within the Holy Quran. Compassion represents the true spirit of Islam and compassion is far more important to Islamic teachings than any thing else. There are certain key words in the Holy Quran which are greatly stressed of which four are very often repeated i.e. rahmah, ihsan ‘adl, and hikmah (compassion, benevolence, justice and wisdom). It is necessary in both public and private life to refrain consistently and emphatically from inflicting pain. To act or speak violently out of spite, chauvinism or self-interest to impoverish, exploit or deny basic rights to anybody, and to incite hatred by denigrating others – even our enemies – is a denial of one’s common humanity.

We are reminded that the principle of compassion for our neighbour and all creation, in fact, lies at the heart of all religious, ethical and spiritual traditions, calling us to live the Golden rule.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Christianity)

“What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.” (Judaism)

“Not one of you truly believes until you wish for others what you wish for yourself. ” (Islam)

“Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” (Buddhism)

“This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you..” (Hinduism)

“One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct....loving-kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.” Confucianism 

“Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.” Bahá'í Faith

Therefore, Compassion impels us to work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of our fellow creatures, to remove ourselves from the centre of our world and put another there, and to honour the sanctity of every single human being and living organism, treating all, without exception, with absolute justice, equity and respect.’ 

Source: Learnreligions.com

Source: Kahleej Times

Bernadette Casey

Assistant to the Principal - Faith & Mission