Is Compassion Always a Virtue?

In the rich and comprehensive teachings of the Holy Quran, compassion (intertwined with concepts such as mercy, tenderness, sympathy, and kindness) stands as one of the most prominent and fundamental ethical virtues. Allah Almighty introduces Himself with the attributes of 'Ar-Rahman' (The Most Gracious) and 'Ar-Rahim' (The Most Merciful), signifying the pervasive and profound nature of Divine mercy and kindness. This mercy encompasses both believers and non-believers, and its manifestation is evident throughout all creation. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the unparalleled role model for humanity, was sent, according to Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 107, 'not but as a mercy to the worlds.' This verse clearly indicates that the central theme of his mission was the propagation of mercy and compassion. Thus, broadly speaking, compassion and kindness are not merely virtues; they are cornerstones of Islamic faith and ethics, and believers are consistently encouraged to embody them. Compassion towards parents, orphans, the needy, neighbors, and even animals and the environment has been repeatedly emphasized in the Quran and Sunnah. This quality plays a vital role in establishing healthy relationships, fostering social solidarity, and alleviating suffering and hardship in society. Compassion encourages a believer to help the needy, forgive others (where it does not conflict with the rights of Allah or people), and speak to others with gentleness and affection. However, the answer to the question, 'Is compassion always a virtue?' requires a more precise and nuanced examination. The Holy Quran, with its unparalleled wisdom, teaches us that every virtue gains its meaning within a specific context and framework, and compassion is no exception. In certain situations, if compassion is unconditional and outside the bounds of divine justice and wisdom, it might transform from a virtue into a weakness that leads to undesirable consequences. The most striking example of this distinction is found in Surah An-Nur, verse 2, which states: 'The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of adultery – lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity (ra'fah) for them in the religion of Allah, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a party of the believers witness their punishment.' This crucial verse teaches us that in the implementation of divine punishments (Hudud) and the establishment of justice, personal emotions and sentimental compassion should not hinder the execution of Allah’s decree. Here, emotional compassion that prevents the enforcement of divine law is deemed reprehensible by the Quran. Why is compassion not presented as an absolute virtue in this specific case? Because the ultimate goal of Sharia (Islamic law) and divine decrees is to establish righteousness and order in society and to preserve divine boundaries. Excessive compassion towards a perpetrator who has committed a crime can lead to the weakening of the law, encouragement of repeated offenses, and ultimately, the creation of corruption and disorder in society. In such circumstances, the resolute implementation of justice is considered a broader form of mercy for the entire community. This enforcement of justice, despite its outwardly strict appearance, is essential for maintaining the security, dignity, and rights of other individuals in society. True and virtuous compassion is that which is accompanied by wisdom, insight, and justice. This means that sometimes, to achieve a greater good and prevent deeper evils, firm decisions must be made that may at first seem to contradict individual emotional compassion, but are, in fact, the highest level of compassion and mercy for the entire community. Compassion should not lead to overlooking the truth, disregarding the rights of the oppressed, or promoting injustice. Therefore, it can be concluded that compassion in Islam is an unparalleled virtue and a fundamental pillar of faith, but it is not a blind or purely emotional virtue that acts without considering consequences or outside the framework of Sharia and justice. True compassion in Islam is that which is always accompanied by wisdom, insight, and most importantly, by obedience to divine commands and in the direction of establishing justice and righteousness in society. A true believer is compassionate, but their compassion is intelligent and purposeful; they know when to act with gentleness and affection and when to act decisively to defend truth and justice. It is this delicate balance between mercy and wisdom that transforms compassion into a lasting and constructive virtue and prevents its deviation towards negligence or disorder. Indeed, Islamic compassion manifests not only in forgiveness and leniency but also in upholding divine boundaries and establishing justice, for the establishment of equity itself is the highest degree of mercy for humanity. This comprehensive perspective enables the believer to make decisions in any situation that are not merely based on a fleeting emotion but are rooted in divine principles and the collective welfare.