Selflessness, is one of the noble qualities emphasized in Islam. One who is selfless, places concern for others above concern for himself. It means we act without thought for how we will profit or be rewarded. If we give help to others, but expect recognition or the favour to be returned, this is not a selfless action. True selflessness means we would do the action, even if it was never known to anyone else
The opposite of selflessness is selfishness, which involves being concerned with one’s own well-being without regard for the well-being of others. One who is selfish is stingy—with both his wealth and his self—and views lending support to others as a burden.
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reminded the believers of the noble quality of selflessness when he said:
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother, what he loves for himself” (Bukhari and Muslim)
So, we must be certain that the love of good for others and selfless behaviour will bring success for ourselves, our children, our family and the whole society.
Is it possible for man to be completely selfless? A cynic may say not. But selfless actions and thoughts are not only possible, but it also gave a real sense of satisfaction and abiding happiness.
Any Muslim, who prefers unselfishness, really enters by this to the straight and right path of the pious predecessors in faith, and follows the footsteps of those early successful people and the companions of the Prophet (PBUH), whom Allah praised while He said:
“And give them (emigrants) preference over themselves, even though they were in need of that.” (Al-Hashr 59:9).
The Prophet (PBUH) also exhorted us to abstain and beware of greediness. He (PBUH) said:
“Beware of stinginess for stinginess destroyed those who came before you and caused them to shed their blood and regard as permissible that which had been forbidden to them.” (Muslim 2578).
Shining examples on selflessness from Prophetic Sunnah:
There are many shining and inspiring illustrations of the selflessness and love of good for others from the life of the Prophet (PBUH) and the bright history of Islam and these are the best examples for us to follow.
One of the best examples of selflessness is reflected by the Ansar’s (Helpers) treatment of the Muhajirun (migrants). After the Hijrah to Al-Madinah, many of the migrants had nothing. They had left all of their wealth in Makkah, and come to Al-Madinah destitute.
To alleviate the suffering of the migrants, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) paired each immigrant with a family in Madinah. The bond between the migrants and the Ansar was so tight that—for a time—they were even allowed to inherit from one another.
The Ansar felt such an obligation toward the migrants that they once went to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and offered to give them half of their date groves. When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) refused to accept this offer, the Ansar offered a cooperative work agreement that allowed the migrants to work in the date grove and share in the profits.
In another example, a man once came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) seeking food. The Prophet requested assistance from one of his wives, who replied that she had nothing but water. Then he sent the same message to another wife and received the same reply.
Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Who will entertain this man as a guest tonight?” One of the Ansar said, “O messenger of Allah, I will.”
- So, the Ansari asked his wife to prepare food for the man, but she replied that they only had enough food to feed the children. Intent on receiving the reward from Allah, the man told his wife to keep the children busy and put them to bed when they ask for food.
When the guest entered, the hosts extinguished the light and gave the impression they that were eating. But in reality, they passed the night hungry so that their guest could eat.
The next morning the Prophet saw the Ansari man and informed him that Allah was pleased with his act of selflessness. (Bukhari and Muslim)
The prophet (PBUH) and his Companions displayed the highest example of charitable behaviour and selflessness, honoured others above themselves and this should be our cause in this life. These shining examples are illustrating the attitude of a real and true Muslim; his selflessness, generosity, and self-sacrifice for the sake of others. Therefore, every Muslim should adopt such noble qualities of loving kindness, hospitality, and selflessness and assume praiseworthy behaviour in life, because above everything he is a Muslim.
