We live in a world where opinions are louder than compassion, competition outweighs community, and where hearts are more easily hardened than healed. Yet, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who was sent as a mercy to all creation, taught a powerful Sunnah that is sadly often forgotten   kindness.

In a time marked by division, stress, and emotional fatigue, being kind is not just a gesture   it is a form of worship. It is a reflection of faith. And it is one of the most profound, yet neglected Sunnahs of our deen. A Sunnah that the world desperately needs Muslims to revive.

 

 

KINDNESS IS NOT AN OPTION  IT’S A COMMAND

Islam does not present kindness as a choice, but as a duty. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And speak to people good [words]…”
 Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83)

The Prophet ﷺ was not just a man of prayer and fasting   he was a man of gentleness, empathy, and compassion. He helped the elderly, forgave the ignorant, visited the sick, comforted the grieving, smiled at strangers, and honored even those who opposed him.

He once said:

“Nothing will be placed on the scale of deeds heavier than good character.”
 Sunan Al-Tirmidhi

This means each act of kindness is not lost   it is stored, valued, and rewarded by the One who sees every tear and gesture.

WHAT MAKES KINDNESS A NEGLECTED SUNNAH?

We often focus on outward acts of worship   prayer, fasting, reciting Qur’an   which are indeed essential pillars of our faith. However, many forget that the Prophet ﷺ also said:

“I was sent to perfect good character.”
Musnad Ahmad

Kindness is not just being nice   it’s being patient when you’re irritated, being forgiving when you’ve been wronged, and being generous when you feel like holding back. It is smiling at someone who looks like they’re carrying the weight of the world. It’s giving people excuses, making space, lifting burdens, and softening hearts.

We neglect kindness when we rush past someone in pain, ignore someone in need, or respond harshly just because we can. Yet kindness is powerful enough to mend what prayer alone may not  when it lives deeply in the heart.

KINDNESS IS A FORM OF WORSHIP

Every time you are kind for the sake of Allah, you are worshipping Him. A smile can be a charity. A gentle word can be a sadaqah. Holding back your anger is an act of strength in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ taught us:

“Your smile for your brother is charity…”
Sunan At-Tirmidhi

This means kindness is not trivial   it’s a deed that echoes into the hereafter.

Imagine meeting Allah and seeing mountains of reward   not from wealth or fame, but from every hug given, every insult you swallowed for His sake, every tear you wiped from someone else’s eyes.

BEING KIND IN A HARSH WORLD IS A SIGN OF STRENGTH

Being kind when the world is cruel isn’t weakness   it’s faith in action. It means choosing mercy when anger is easier. It means choosing compassion when judgment is quick. It means seeing every human   no matter how broken   as someone made by Allah.

Harshness is easy. Kindness takes effort. That’s why it is rewarded so greatly.

 

 

HOW TO REVIVE THIS SUNNAH TODAY

• Smile, especially at those who rarely receive one

• Speak gently, even in disagreement

• Forgive quickly, not slowly

• Check in on people silently struggling

• Make du’a for those who hurt you

• Give without being asked

• Spread salaam   peace   with sincerity

• Be patient with those who are learning

• Assume the best when you don’t know the full story

These small acts are not just niceties   they are worship that beautify your soul and bring light into the world.

 

 

CONCLUSION

The world is full of broken hearts and heavy souls   and Allah has placed you in the world not just to pray, but to love, to heal, and to reflect His mercy. When you choose kindness, you’re not just following the Prophet ﷺ   you’re becoming a ray of light in a world drowning in shadows.

Revive this neglected Sunnah, and watch how Allah revives peace in your heart.

Because kindness doesn’t just change others   it changes you.