The Holy Quran serves as a guide to salvation and a source of guidance for humanity. Allah has made the Quran a source of knowledge and wisdom.

Humanity, compassion and moral values make a person truly human. A person without humanity becomes no more than an animal in human form. The Holy Quran teaches people the values of humanity and compassion. Some of these teachings are discussed below.

Recognition of human dignity

Islam recognises the dignity of every human being regardless of race, colour or religion. Allah says:

“We have honoured the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, provided them with good things and favoured them greatly over many of those We created.”

— Surah Al-Isra, verse 70

In another verse, Allah says:

“O humanity! We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you.”

— Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 13

Humanitarian teachings in the Quran

The Holy Quran provides guidance for building a humane life. Some key teachings include:

A. Human values in personal life

1. Upholding justice: Islam instructs people to uphold justice in their personal lives. Justice and fairness form the foundation of humanity. Allah says:

“Indeed, Allah commands justice, excellence and generosity towards relatives.”

— Surah An-Nahl, verse 90

2. Showing mercy and kindness: A believer should show compassion and treat others humanely. Allah says:

“So do not oppress the orphan, nor repulse the beggar.”

— Surah Ad-Duha, verses 9-10

3. Forgiveness and tolerance: Forgiveness and patience are among the finest qualities of a believer. Allah instructs believers to forgive others and overlook their faults. He says:

“Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to forgive you? And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

— Surah An-Nur, verse 22

4. Avoiding hatred and hostility: Islam instructs people to avoid hatred, resentment and hostility, especially when hatred prevents them from acting justly. Allah says:

“Do not let the hatred of a people lead you to injustice. Be just. That is closer to righteousness.”

— Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 8

5. Protecting others’ honour and dignity: Islam calls on people to protect the honour and dignity of others. The Quran says:

“O believers! Avoid many suspicions, for some suspicions are sinful. And do not spy, nor backbite one another.”

— Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12

B. Human values in family life

1. Bonds of love and respect: Islam teaches that families should remain bound by love and mutual respect. Elders should show affection to younger family members, while younger members should respect and obey their elders, particularly their parents. Allah says:

“We have commanded people to be good to their parents.”

— Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 8

2. Teaching children humanity: An important aspect of family life involves educating children so they grow into compassionate and responsible human beings. Denying children proper education constitutes a serious injustice to them. Allah says:

“Those who believe and whose descendants follow them in faith — We will unite them with their descendants, and We will not deprive them of any of their deeds.”

— Surah At-Tur, verse 21

3. Marriage based on love and compassion: Believers should build their married lives on love, affection and compassion. Allah says:

“And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy.”

— Surah Ar-Rum, verse 21

4. Good treatment: A believer should treat all family members well, particularly wives and women, and exercise patience when difficulties arise. Allah says:

“Live with them honourably. If you dislike them, perhaps you dislike something in which Allah has placed much good.”

— Surah An-Nisa, verse 19

5. Equal basic rights for men and women: Islam grants men and women equal basic rights in family and married life. Allah says:

“Women have rights similar to those of men, according to what is fair.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 228

C. Human values in social life

1. Showing mercy and kindness to all: Islam instructs people to show mercy, kindness and good conduct towards everyone. The Quran says:

“Be charitable. Surely Allah loves the charitable.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 195

2. Supporting people in hardship: A believer stands beside fellow believers during times of suffering and hardship. Allah says:

“Then he becomes one of those who believe and urge one another to perseverance and compassion.”

— Surah Al-Balad, verse 17

3. Cooperating in good deeds: Believers should help one another in righteous deeds. Allah says:

“Help one another in righteousness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and transgression.”

— Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 2

4. Caring for vulnerable people: Believers should take responsibility for vulnerable members of society, even when they themselves face hardship. Allah says:

“And they give food, despite their desire for it, to the poor, the orphan and the captive.”

— Surah Al-Insan, verse 8