Learn : 10 Hadiths on How to Treat Strangers with Kindness
In a world where relationships often seem to be built on familiarity and close ties, Islam teaches us something truly beautiful — that kindness and compassion should not be limited to those we know, but extended to everyone, even to complete strangers. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in his exemplary life, showed us how to interact with others, treating them with the utmost respect, regardless of their background, status, or familiarity. His actions were a constant reminder that true kindness knows no boundaries.
In Islam, our behavior toward others, whether they are family, friends, or strangers, is a direct reflection of our faith and character. The teachings of the Prophet (PBUH), preserved in the Hadiths, are not just for moments of worship but offer practical wisdom for every interaction, including how we treat strangers. Today’s world, more than ever, needs to embrace this message of universal compassion and respect.
Here are 10 Hadiths on How to Treat Strangers with Kindness that beautifully illustrate how Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us to treat strangers with kindness and respect, guiding us towards a life filled with empathy, generosity, and love.
Lets explore 10 Hadiths on How to Treat Strangers with Kindness
1. “The best of people are those that bring the most benefit to others.”
خَيْرُ النَّاسِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ
Pronunciation: Khayru an-nasi anfa’uhum linnas
Meaning: The best people are those who are most beneficial to others.
Reference: Daraqutni, Al-Jami
Story: This Hadith encourages us to focus on the welfare of others. One time, a traveler came to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) seeking help. The Prophet (PBUH) responded by offering him food and shelter, showing that helping strangers is an act of goodness that brings immense reward. The Prophet (PBUH) often said that helping strangers, whether through physical or emotional support, is one of the highest forms of goodness.
2. “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him be generous to his neighbor.”
مَن كانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَاليَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ جَارَهُ
Pronunciation: Man kana yu’minu billahi wal-yawmi al-akhiri falyukrim jarahu
Meaning: Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor and be generous to his neighbor.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Hadith 47
Story: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of being kind to neighbors, regardless of whether they are Muslims or not. Once, a companion came to him complaining about a neighbor who was unfriendly. Despite this, the Prophet (PBUH) advised him to continue showing kindness and generosity, underlining that kindness to strangers, especially neighbors, is an essential practice in Islam.
3. “A person who is not kind to others, Allah will not be kind to him.”
مَن لا يَرْحَمُ النَّاسَ لَا يُرْحَمُ
Pronunciation: Man laa yarhamun-naasa laa yurham
Meaning: A person who is not kind to others will not be shown mercy by Allah.
Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 349
Story: In one instance, a stranger came to the Prophet (PBUH) asking for food. Even though the Prophet (PBUH) had little to offer, he immediately shared what he had, teaching us the importance of mercy toward those in need. Through this simple act of kindness, the Prophet (PBUH) embodied the idea that mercy to strangers opens the doors of Allah’s mercy for us.
4. “Do not harm others with your tongue or hands.”
لَا تَؤْذُوا النَّاسَ بِسِنَتِكُمْ وَأَيْدِيكُمْ
Pronunciation: La tudhi’u an-naasa biseenatikum wa aydeekum
Meaning: Do not harm others with your tongue or hands.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Hadith 130
Story: A stranger once approached the Prophet (PBUH) and mocked him, yet the Prophet (PBUH) did not respond with anger or harsh words. Instead, he responded with kindness, teaching us that our actions and words should never harm anyone, especially strangers. The Prophet (PBUH) always remained calm, even in the face of provocation, demonstrating the true essence of kindness.
5. “Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free the captives.”
أَطْعِمُوا الجَائِعَ وَفُكُّوا العَانِيَ وَعُودُوا المَرِيضَ
Pronunciation: At’imu al-ja’i’a wa fukku al-‘aniya wa ‘oodu al-mareeda
Meaning: Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free those who are in captivity.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 64, Hadith 274
Story: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made it clear that kindness to strangers involves providing for their physical and emotional needs. One time, a group of Muslims was traveling when they encountered a person who was sick and in need of food. The Prophet (PBUH) instructed them to help him, not because he was a fellow Muslim, but because he was in need. This act shows that kindness transcends all boundaries.
6. “He who does not show mercy to our young or honor to our elders is not one of us.”
مَن لا يَرْحَمُ صَبِيَّنَا وَيُوَقِّرُ كَبِيرَنَا فَلَيْسَ مِنَّا
Pronunciation: Man laa yarhamu sabiyyana wa yuwaqqiru kabeerana falaysa minna
Meaning: He who does not show mercy to our young or honor to our elders is not one of us.
Reference: Tirmidhi, Book 27, Hadith 33
Story: The Prophet (PBUH) treated both the young and the elderly with respect, regardless of whether they were familiar or strangers. Once, an old man came to the Prophet (PBUH) to seek his guidance. The Prophet (PBUH) stood up in respect for him, showing that Islam calls for dignity and kindness to all, regardless of age, status, or familiarity.
7. “The strong person is not the one who is able to overpower others, but the one who controls themselves when they are angry.”
لَيْسَ الشَّدِيدُ بِالصُّرَعَةِ إِنَّمَا الشَّدِيدُ الَّذِي يَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ عِندَ الغَضَب
Pronunciation: Laysa ash-shadeedu bis-sura’ati inama ash-shadeedu allathee yamliku nafsahu ‘inda al-ghadab
Meaning: The strong person is the one who controls themselves when they are angry.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Hadith 135
Story: The Prophet (PBUH) once encountered a situation where a stranger insulted him. Instead of reacting with anger, the Prophet (PBUH) calmly responded with words of peace. He showed that controlling one’s anger is a powerful form of kindness, especially towards strangers who may not even know us.
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8. “When a person’s neighbor is hungry, and he sleeps full, he is not a true believer.”
مَن جَاعَ جَارُهُ وَبَاتَ شَبْعَانًا فَلَيْسَ بِمُؤْمِنٍ
Pronunciation: Man ja’a jaaruhu wa baata shab’an falaysa bi-mu’min
Meaning: If a person’s neighbor is hungry and he sleeps full, he is not a true believer.
Reference: Sahih Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Hadith 44
Story: The Prophet (PBUH) taught that helping those in need is not just an act of kindness but an obligation on every believer. One famous incident involves a woman who used to offer the Prophet (PBUH) simple food every day. Despite having little, the Prophet (PBUH) always expressed gratitude and encouraged others to help those in need, particularly strangers.
9. “He who is not kind to others, Allah will not be kind to him.”
مَن لا يَرْحَمُ النَّاسَ لَا يُرْحَمُ
Pronunciation: Man laa yarhamun-naasa laa yurham
Meaning: He who is not kind to others will not be shown mercy by Allah.
Reference: Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Hadith 349
Story: A famous story relates to a companion of the Prophet (PBUH) who was known for his harsh treatment towards strangers. Upon hearing the Prophet’s words, he began to change his behavior, realizing that kindness to strangers is a direct path to receiving Allah’s mercy.
10. “The one who does not show gratitude to people, does not show gratitude to Allah.”
مَن لَا يَشْكُرُ النَّاسَ لَا يَشْكُرُ اللَّـهَ
Pronunciation: Man laa yashkuru an-naasa laa yashkuru Allah
Meaning: He who does not show gratitude to people, does not show gratitude to Allah.
Reference: Tirmidhi, Book 27, Hadith 16
Story: The Prophet (PBUH) taught that gratitude to others, including strangers, is a reflection of one’s gratitude to Allah. Once, a stranger came to the Prophet (PBUH) seeking help, and the Prophet (PBUH) not only helped him but also expressed his thanks to Allah for the opportunity to show kindness.
Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) teachings on kindness and respect to strangers are as relevant today as they were over 1,400 years ago. In a world that is often disconnected, the Prophet’s (PBUH) life serves as a powerful reminder that kindness, empathy, and respect should extend to everyone, regardless of whether we know them or not. His teachings encourage us to reflect the values of our faith in every interaction, helping us build a more compassionate and unified world. Let us, as the Prophet (PBUH) showed us, extend kindness to all and make the world a better place for everyone. This ’10 Hadiths on How to Treat Strangers with Kindness’ may improve us a little and we will try to learn every.
