Treat Others as You Wish to Be Treated: A Timeless Principle from Imam Hasan (AS)

Introduction

The 15th of Ramadan marks the birth anniversary of Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS), a paragon of virtue, wisdom, patience, and kindness. On this auspicious occasion, we reflect on one of his profound sayings, which encapsulates the essence of justice, fairness, and ethical conduct in human interactions. His words serve as a guiding principle for how we should treat others, fostering harmony and mutual respect in our communities.

صاحِبِ النّاسَ مِثلَ ما تُحِبُّ أن يُصاحِبوكَ بهِ

“Treat people in the same way that you would like them to treat you.” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 75, p. 116)

This concise yet profound teaching forms the cornerstone of social ethics and interpersonal conduct, urging us to adopt fairness, empathy, and respect in all our dealings. Some of these lessons are summarised here.

Educational Lessons from the Hadith for Youth and Teenagers

1. Your Actions Shape Others’ Reactions

Understand that the way you treat others often determines how they treat you in return. If you act with kindness and respect, you are more likely to receive the same in return. Negative behaviour, on the other hand, invites negativity.

Practical Challenge: Over the next week, consciously treat everyone with fairness, even in situations where it is difficult. Observe how this impacts their responses toward you.

2. Put Yourself in the Other Person’s Shoes

Before making any decision or reacting in a situation, take a moment to place yourself in the other person’s position. Would you be happy if someone treated you the same way? If the answer is yes, proceed. If not, reconsider your actions.

Practical Challenge: Each day, before making a decision that affects someone else, pause and ask yourself, “Would I be happy if I were in their position?” Write down your reflections at the end of the day.

3. Social Media and Digital Kindness

In today’s world, much of our communication happens online. The hadith of Imam Hasan (AS) applies to social media interactions as well. Before believing, posting, commenting, or sharing, consider if you would appreciate receiving similar messages. Spreading negativity online is just as harmful as doing so in person.

Practical Challenge: Go through your last five social media interactions and evaluate them through the lens of this hadith. If any of them seem unfair or unkind, make a commitment to improve your digital conduct.

Educational Lessons from the Hadith for Parents

1. Empathy in Parenting: Understanding Your Child’s Perspective

Before reacting to your child’s behaviour, think about how you would feel if you were in their situation. Your words and actions shape their emotional and psychological well-being. If you want faith, integrity, respect and love from your children, model that behaviour yourself.

Practical Challenge: This week, whenever you feel the urge to scold or criticise your child, pause and consider how you would want your own parents to treat you in a similar situation. Adjust your response accordingly.

2. Teaching Fairness through Imam Hassan’s Statement

Discuss with your children the definition and importance of fairness and justice. Imam Hasan’s (AS) statement directly aligns with the modern definition of fairness: “Treat others as you want to be treated.” This is a universal principle that transcends cultures and religions.

Practical Challenge: Have a family discussion about the meaning and applications of fairness and ask each member to share an example of when they felt treated unfairly. Use this discussion to reinforce the importance of treating others justly.

Educational Lessons from the Hadith for Imams and Religious Leaders

1. The Consequences of One’s Actions

Teach your congregation about real-life examples where a person’s actions returned to them, either in kindness or harm. Use historical stories and anecdotes from Islamic teachings to illustrate this principle.

Practical Challenge: In your next sermon, narrate a story that highlights how justice and fairness shape human interactions. Encourage listeners to reflect on their own behaviour and its impact on others.

2. The Universal Appeal of Ethical Reciprocity

Discuss how Imam Hassan concept of “صاحِبِ النّاسَ مِثلَ ما تُحِبُّ أن يُصاحِبوكَ بهِ” is a universal ethical principle highlighted in many cultures and philosophies after Imam Hassan. Show how Islam upholds, cultivates, refines this timeless moral standard.

Practical Challenge: Encourage members of your congregation to practice this hadith for a week and share their experiences in the following gathering.