SELFLESSNESS

One of the key qualities described in the Quran for people of faith is the ability to sacrifice one’s own interest for the sake of others. It means placing someone else’s need above one’s own—helping others even at personal cost, and giving preference to others despite having needs oneself. The Quranic term for this noble human trait is Ithar (selflessness).

After the migration (hijrah) of the Prophet from Makkah to Madinah, many people from Makkah arrived in Madinah. At first, these people appeared to be a burden on the locals, as the migrants (Muhajirun) had nothing, while the local inhabitants (Ansar) had homes, land, orchards, and resources. Despite this, the people of Madinah welcomed the newcomers with great generosity, even though they seemed to place a strain on their resources. Referring to this, the Quran says: “Those who were already settled in the city [Madinah] and firmly rooted in faith, love those who migrated to them for refuge, and harbour no desire in their hearts for what has been given to the [latter]. They give them preference over themselves, even if they too are needy: those who are saved from their own souls’ greed are truly successful. ” (59:9)

This selflessness is a high human quality. It is a principle that presents itself in daily life. Every day, moments arise where one may feel the need to step back and allow someone else to move forward. It means enduring difficulty to bring ease to another, cutting down on one’s own spending to support someone else, taking time from one’s schedule to help another, holding back to let others speak, or giving space on the road so someone can pass.

This personal sacrifice—selflessness—is what the Quran refers to as ithar. It is among the highest human values. According to the Quran, true success belongs to those who possess this quality.