Why are Irreligious People Sometimes Kinder?

From the perspective of the Holy Quran, kindness and benevolence are universal themes that are not exclusively confined to an individual's religious beliefs. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of good character, justice, and compassion, presenting them as fundamental values not only for believers but for all humanity. This implies that the source of kindness is not solely faith in God; rather, it stems from the pure human innate disposition (Fitra), divine teachings that have reached everyone, and even shared social and human values. The observation of kindness in individuals who may not outwardly adhere to a particular religion can be explained through various aspects that are also consistent with Quranic principles. Firstly, the Quran stresses that Allah is "Ar-Rahman" (The Most Gracious) and "Ar-Rahim" (The Most Merciful), meaning He is benevolent and compassionate to all His creation, whether believers or disbelievers. This vast divine mercy is also reflected in the nature of human beings. Allah has created humans with a "Fitra," an innate disposition that naturally inclines towards goodness, justice, and righteousness. Even if an individual has taken a different path in terms of belief, this divine innate disposition can guide them towards good and kind actions. This is what we observe in the form of a wakeful conscience, empathy towards others, and a willingness to help those in need. These moral virtues, even if not accompanied by the intention of seeking God's pleasure, can still contribute to improving human relations and the well-being of society. Surah An-Nahl, verse 90, clearly states: "Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded." This verse is a general command for all humanity, explicitly speaking of justice and kindness, irrespective of religious beliefs. Secondly, the Quran considers the ultimate criterion for divine judgment not merely the claim of faith, but righteous deeds (Amal Saleh) and inner intentions. In Surah Az-Zalzalah, verses 7 and 8, we read: "So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, * And whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it." These verses indicate that even the smallest good deed is accounted for by Allah and will be rewarded, regardless of whether the doer appears religious or not. This means that Allah pays attention to the depth of intention and the impact of actions, not just superficial labels. Sometimes, an individual who labels themselves as religious might, due to hypocrisy, arrogance, or misuse of religion's name, deviate from ethics and kindness in practice. Conversely, an individual who might consider themselves irreligious may, out of their pure innate disposition and humanity, engage in benevolent and kind acts. The Quran strongly condemns hypocrisy and outward show in religion, as seen in Surah Al-Ma'un, where it reprimands those who are neglectful in their prayers and withhold help from the needy. This demonstrates that Islam is not satisfied with mere appearances and dry rituals but centers on righteous action and pure intention. Thirdly, the concept of "divine test" is also significant in this context. Life is a divine test for all human beings. This test is not only to measure the extent of faith but also to assess actions and ethics. Kindness, altruism, and compassion are among the indicators of this test. Allah wants to see to what extent humans utilize this God-given innate disposition and do good to others. Therefore, the manifestation of kindness and goodness in individuals, regardless of their outward religiosity, not only does not contradict Quranic teachings but rather confirms the principle of innate disposition and the vastness of divine mercy. The Quran calls believers to emulate the best of characters and asks them not only to be kind themselves but also to be propagators of kindness and justice in society. Observing kindness in others can also be a lesson for those who claim religiosity, to manifest the true essence of faith in their actions. Ultimately, it should also be noted that Islam itself is a complete invitation to kindness, empathy, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human dignity, and a true believer is one who embodies these values in their life.