Reading time: 2 minutes

When the Prophet ﷺ established bonds between the Muhajirun (emigrants) and the Ansar (helpers) after the Hijrah to Madinah, Sa’d ibn Ar-Rabi', one of the wealthiest men among the Ansar, was paired with Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf, who had left behind immense wealth in Mecca to emigrate.

Sa'd offered Abdur-Rahman half of everything he owned—wealth, business, and even his home.

Despite Sa’d's repeated insistence, Abdur-Rahman, with humility and determination, graciously declined the offer.

Instead, he asked Sa'd to show him the marketplace, where he began buying and selling with the few possessions he brought.

Through hard work and Allah's blessings, Abdur-Rahman eventually became one of the wealthiest Sahaba in Medina.

This is the essence of loving for others what we love for ourselves.

Sa'd's offer wasn’t just about material wealth; it was about ensuring that his brother in faith had the same opportunities and comfort that he enjoyed.

Abdur-Rahman’s response wasn’t about pride but honoring the spirit of self-reliance and community contribution.

This selflessness is what our Prophet ﷺ taught us—a love so pure that it transcends our own needs.

When we embrace this principle, we create communities grounded in mutual respect, support, and a shared commitment to one another’s well-being.

Yet, this is not always easy.

We live in a world that often encourages us to put ourselves first, to guard our resources, and to view others as competitors rather than companions.

We view life as a zero-sum game with finite resources; another person’s gain becomes your loss.

However, Islam teaches us a different way—a path where our hearts expand to include others in our prayers, charity, and actions.

The Prophet ﷺ consistently prayed for his Ummah, asking for their well-being and mercy, always prioritizing our needs over his own.

Imagine the peace we would attain if we saw someone succeed and feel happiness instead of loss.

The principle of loving for others what we love for ourselves challenges us to confront our shortcomings.

It highlights areas where we feel deficient or prideful, revealing our superiority complexes and arrogance.

The beauty of this teaching is that it benefits both others and ourselves.

It softens our hearts, purifies our intentions, and brings us closer to Allah.

We become more content and connected, nurture our best selves, and lead happier lives.

So, how do we start living this principle?

Begin by making dua for those around you, asking Allah to bless them with the same things you wish for in your life.

Practice small acts of kindness, such as giving gifts, offering a kind word, or helping others in any way possible.

Most importantly, regularly check your heart to ensure it’s free from envy and full of love for your fellow believers.

Let’s strive to love for others what we love for ourselves.

Let’s build a community that reflects the mercy, compassion, and unity at the heart of Islam.