🌟 World Kindness Day: Embodying Ihsan (Excellence) and Arul (Compassion) in Every Act

November 13, 2025 - Today marks World Kindness Day, an international observance celebrated across 27+ countries since 1998 to highlight the positive power of kindness that binds humanity together. In a world increasingly divided by politics, technology, and ideology, this day reminds us that compassion transcends all boundaries—a truth affirmed by both Islamic teachings and Tamil classical wisdom.

As someone building the AlQuran Multilingual platform to make the Quran accessible in Tamil and 90+ languages, you understand that kindness begins with making knowledge accessible to all. This blog explores how the Islamic concept of Ihsan (excellence in conduct) and the Tamil concept of Arul (divine compassion) from Thiruvalluvar's Thirukkural provide practical frameworks for living with kindness in every sphere of life.

I. Introduction: The Universal Call to Compassion

Why Kindness Matters in 2025

Kindness isn't just a feel-good concept—it's supported by science. Research shows that acts of kindness:

Reduce stress hormones and boost wellbeing
Increase oxytocin ("love hormone") and endorphins
Create ripple effects, inspiring others to be kind
Strengthen community bonds and social trust

In an era of social media toxicity, remote work isolation, and cultural polarization, kindness becomes revolutionary. It requires courage to respond to hatred with love, to hostility with patience, to division with bridge-building.

Both Islam and Tamil wisdom position kindness not as optional niceness but as civilization's foundation. Without compassion, human societies descend into brutality; with it, we create communities where everyone flourishes.

II. The Quranic Foundation: Ihsan as Divine Command

A. Repelling Evil with Good

Surah Fussilat (41:34):

وَلَا تَسْتَوِي الْحَسَنَةُ وَلَا السَّيِّئَةُ ۚ ادْفَعْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ فَإِذَا الَّذِي بَيْنَكَ وَبَيْنَهُ عَدَاوَةٌ كَأَنَّهُ وَلِيٌّ حَمِيمٌ

"And good and evil are not equal. Repel [evil] with what is better; then the one with whom you had enmity will become like a close friend."

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/41/34

This verse reveals a profound spiritual technology: responding to harm with kindness transforms enemies into friends. This isn't naive optimism but strategic wisdom—hatred met with hatred escalates conflict, while hatred met with grace breaks the cycle.

B. The Command for Excellence (Ihsan)

Surah An-Nahl (16:90):

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالْإِحْسَانِ

"Indeed, Allah commands justice and Ihsan [excellence/doing good]."

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/16/90

Allah commands not just Adl (justice—giving people their rights) but Ihsan (going beyond rights to generosity and excellence). Justice is the floor; Ihsan is the ceiling we should always reach toward.

Ihsan means:

Excellence in worship, as if you see Allah
Beauty in conduct toward all creation
Going beyond obligations to voluntary goodness
Consciousness of Allah's presence in every action

C. Speaking the Best Words

Surah Al-Isra (17:53):

وَقُل لِّعِبَادِي يَقُولُوا الَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ ۚ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَنزَغُ بَيْنَهُمْ

"And tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan induces [dissension] among them."

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/17/53

Muslims must choose the best words, not merely truthful ones. Satan creates division through harsh speech—even between good people discussing important matters. Kindness in speech becomes spiritual warfare against divisive forces.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:83):

وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا

"And speak to people good [words]."

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/2/83

The command is universal: speak good words to all people (lin-naas)—not just Muslims, but everyone.

D. No Compulsion in Faith

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:256):

لَا إِكْرَاهَ فِي الدِّينِ ۖ قَد تَّبَيَّنَ الرُّشْدُ مِنَ الْغَيِّ

"There is no compulsion in religion. The right course has become clear from the wrong."

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/2/256

This verse forbids religious coercion. The proper Islamic approach is persuasion through example, service, wisdom, and love—never force.

E. Kindness to Non-Muslims

Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:8):

لَّا يَنْهَاكُمُ اللَّهُ عَنِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوكُم مِّن دِيَارِكُمْ أَن تَبَرُّوهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوا إِلَيْهِمْ

"Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and justly with those who have not fought you for your faith or driven you out of your homes."

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/60/8

This commands active kindness toward peaceful non-Muslims. The Arabic word "Birr" (kindly) is the same used for filial piety—suggesting Muslims should treat peaceful non-Muslims with family-like warmth.

III. Thirukkural's Wisdom: Love, Compassion, Giving, and Sympathy

A. Anbudaimai (Chapter 8: Possession of Love) - Kurals 71-80

The chapter Anbudaimai establishes love (Anbu) as life's essential quality, without which existence is meaningless.

Kural 71:

அன்பிற்கும் உண்டோ அடைக்குந்தாழ் ஆர்வலர் புன்கணீர் பூசல் தரும்.

"Is there any fastening that can shut in love? Tears of the affectionate will publish the love that is within."

Source: https://thirukkural.net/en/kural/kural-0071.html

Love cannot be hidden—it manifests through compassionate tears when we see loved ones suffer.

Kural 72:

அன்பிலார் எல்லாம் தமக்குரியர் அன்புடையார் என்பும் உரியர் பிறர்க்கு.

"The loveless to themselves belong alone; the loving are others' to the very bone."

Source: https://thirukkural.net/en/kural/kural-0072.html

Those without love claim everything for themselves; those with love consider even their bodies as belonging to others in service.

Kural 78:

அன்பகத்து இல்லா உயிர்வாழ்க்கை வன்பாற்கண் வற்றல் மரந்தளிர்த் தற்று.

"Bodies of loveless men are bony framework clad with skin; then is the body seat of life, when love resides within."

Source: https://thirukkural.net/en/kural/kural-0078.html

Without love in the heart, a body is merely bones covered with skin—true life exists only when love animates us.

B. Aruludaimai (Chapter 25: Possession of Compassion) - Kurals 241-250

This is the primary chapter on compassion (Arul), establishing it as the supreme wealth that surpasses material riches.

Kural 241:

அருட்செல்வம் செல்வத்துள் செல்வம் பொருட்செல்வம் பூரியார் கண்ணும் உள.

"The gains of compassion are most precious; material wealth is possessed even by the despicable."

Source: https://thirukkural.net/en/kural/kural-0241.html

Even vile people can accumulate wealth, but compassion is the true treasure that distinguishes noble souls.

Kural 247:

அருளில்லார்க்கு அவ்வுலகம் இல்லை பொருளில்லார்க்கு இவ்வுலகம் இல்லாகி யாங்கு.

"The poor do not possess this world; likewise, the uncompassionate do not inhabit the other world."

Source: https://thirukkural.net/en/kural/kural-0247.html

Just as poverty makes this life difficult, lack of compassion makes the afterlife unbearable—a parallel that aligns with Islamic teaching.

Kural 250:

வலியார்முன் தன்னை நினைக்கதான் தன்னின் மெலியார்மேல் செல்லும் இடத்து.

"When you confront those meeker than you, think of yourself in front of a stronger person."

Source: https://thirukkural.net/en/kural/kural-0250.html

This teaches empathy: when dealing with the weak, remember your own vulnerability before the powerful. Practice compassion because you too need compassion.

C. Eegai (Chapter 23: Charity/Giving) - Kurals 221-230

This chapter defines true charity as giving to those in need without expecting return.

Kural 221:

வறியார்க்கொன்று ஈவதே ஈகைமற் றெல்லாம் குறியெதிர்ப்பை நீர துடைத்து.

"Giving to the poor is charity; all else have the quality of anticipating a return."

Source: https://thirukkural.net/en/kural/kural-0221.html

True giving is to those who cannot repay—everything else is transactional.

Kural 229:

இரத்தலின் இன்னாது மன்ற நிரப்பிய தாமே தமியர் உணல்.

"Eating alone to increase one's accumulated wealth is more distressing than begging."

Source: https://thirukkural.net/en/kural/kural-0229.html

Hoarding wealth while others starve is spiritually worse than begging—it corrupts the soul.

D. Kannottam (Chapter 58: Benignity/Sympathetic Vision)

This chapter emphasizes seeing others' needs with compassionate eyes to prompt action.

The word Kannottam literally means "eye's movement"—the ability to look at others with sympathy, recognizing their suffering and responding with aid. This sympathetic vision transforms passive awareness into active compassion.

IV. Practical Circles of Kindness

A. Circle 1: Kindness to Self

Surah Az-Zumar (39:53):

قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا

"Say: 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of Allah's mercy. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.'"

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/39/53

Self-kindness practices:

Accept imperfection—what matters is returning to Allah in repentance
Care for your body—proper sleep, nutrition, exercise
Protect mental health—take breaks, seek counseling when needed
Forgive yourself—if Allah forgives you, why refuse to forgive yourself?
Use technology mindfully for spiritual growth through apps like AlQuranJino

B. Circle 2: Kindness to Family

Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24):

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا

"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind (Ihsan) to parents."

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/17/23

Practical applications:

Never raise your voice to parents
Express specific gratitude daily
Spend quality time with genuine engagement
Care for elderly parents with patience and dignity
For spouses: daily appreciation, active listening, shared responsibilities
For children: physical affection, emotional validation, patient teaching

C. Circle 3: Kindness to Community

Surah Al-Imran (3:92):

لَن تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ

"You will never attain righteousness until you spend from that which you love."

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/3/92

Give from what you value:

Time: Volunteer at food banks, tutor students
Skills: Offer professional expertise pro bono
Attention: Be present for the lonely
Knowledge: Teach and mentor
Money: Give generously, not token amounts

Digital Kindness:

Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11):

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِّن قَوْمٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُونُوا خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ

"O believers, let not people ridicule others; perhaps they are better than them."

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/49/11

Avoid mockery, backbiting, and spreading misinformation online. Use digital platforms to spread beneficial knowledge and support others.

V. Making Kindness a Lifetime Practice

A. Weekly Self-Reflection (Muhasabah)

Surah Al-Hashr (59:18):

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَلْتَنظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَّا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ

"O you who believe! Fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has sent forward for tomorrow."

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/59/18

Weekly reflection (Friday evenings):

Parents: Did I speak respectfully? Spend quality time?
Family: Was I patient and affectionate?
Neighbors: Did I greet them? Offer help?
Strangers: Did I smile? Give charity?
Digital space: Were my interactions kind?
Myself: Did I practice self-compassion?

B. The 7-Day Kindness Challenge

Day 1 (Nov 13): Family - Express specific gratitude to each member Day 2 (Nov 14): Neighbors - Greet/help, share food if possible Day 3 (Nov 15): Community - Volunteer or donate locally Day 4 (Nov 16): Strangers - Five sincere smiles and greetings Day 5 (Nov 17): Digital - Share beneficial content, send encouragement Day 6 (Nov 18): Self - Practice self-care and self-compassion Day 7 (Nov 19): Review - Reflect on the week, plan continuation

C. Gratitude Practice

Surah Ibrahim (14:7):

لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ

"If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]."

Read at: https://alquranjino.online/book/ara_quransimple/14/7

Daily practice:

Morning: List three things you're grateful for
Evening: Write three specific blessings in a journal
After prayer: Add moments of Shukr (thankfulness)

VI. Conclusion: Start the Ripple Effect Today

Every act of kindness creates ripples extending far beyond what we see. The smile you gave the cashier might have lifted her spirits, allowing her to be patient with her children. Your patience with your spouse might have given him emotional resources to be compassionate at work. We cannot predict kindness's full impact, but Allah sees and records every act.

Both Ihsan and Arul call us to the same truth: kindness is not optional niceness but essential humanity. It's the difference between merely existing and truly living, between having a body and having a soul.

On this World Kindness Day 2025, commit to:

Choosing smile over frown
Choosing forgiveness over grudge
Choosing giving over hoarding
Choosing listening over interrupting
Choosing understanding over judgment

May Allah make us among those who embody Ihsan, whose hearts overflow with Rahmah (mercy), whose tongues speak only goodness, and whose hands extend in service to His creation.

May we be channels of Arul (divine compassion), spreading love that transcends all boundaries.

Ameen. ஆமீன்.

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