Image Source: Marriage Revolution
Johannesburg – When reflecting on the meaning of empathy, understand that it’s more than a passive emotion. It’s the foundation of human connection, serving as a bridge that connects us all in our shared experiences, emotions, and humanity.
Though often confused, sympathy and empathy are distinct in their nature and impact on interpersonal relationships. Sympathy involves feeling concern or pity for another person’s situation.
At the same time, empathy goes beyond acknowledging their feelings to actively understanding and sharing their emotions. Walking a mile in their shoes, as the saying goes.
Ashraf Gangrekar from Africa Muslims Agency expressed that empathy is fundamental to our faith as Muslims. Demonstrating empathy towards others signifies our recognition and validation of their worth as human beings, regardless of their backgrounds.
“When you do this, you are saying that human beings matter. Whether you’re living on the street or not, irrespective of where they are and where you are, we are human beings and Allah’s creation.”
Cultivate Empathy this Ramadan
Throughout our lives we’ve encountered people who occasionally appear insincere when we confide in them about our thoughts and feelings. They may seem perplexed or struggle to see our point of view, and we often attribute this behaviour to a lack of empathy.
However, it’s essential to remember that this isn’t necessarily their fault. Understanding and empathy are not fixed skills and can be developed over time.
How can we nurture it? Ashraf proposes that we start by abstaining from passing judgement on others, actively listening and being attentive, and validating their emotions and thoughts, regardless of whether we agree with them.
“If you want to be empathetic, then you need to take a step back and say, ‘Well, this is important to that person, and it may not be as important to me, but because this is a human being, that feeling is important.’
During Ramadan, as many of us attempt to remedy our bad habits and adopt better virtues, empathy assumes greater significance, especially given the dire circumstances of Muslims worldwide.
Millions of Muslims across Africa, Asia and the Middle East endure the hardships of starvation, malnutrition, and famine. This is important to remember as we gather around the Iftaar table to break our fast.
Through empathising with their plight and adversities, we aim to instil gratitude within our families for the little we possess and impart the value of empathy so that our children may grow to understand the importance of compassion and kindness to the various struggles people endure.
By teaching this lesson, we want them to aspire to become more empathetic and socially responsible individuals as they mature into adulthood, contributing positively to their communities and to a more benevolent society.
“I want us to teach our children as we sit at the table and ask them is there anybody in the class who perhaps is being picked on, who perhaps is being alienated from the rest of the group and [encourage them] to go forward and say ‘I am I actually trying to understand what you’re going through [and how I can help]. If you need to chat, I am happy to listen’.”
