لا يؤمن المرء حتى يحب لأخيه ما يحب لنفسه
la yu'min al mar' hatta yuhibb li akhihi ma yuhibb li nafsih
Love for your brother as self
Meaning
A principle of empathy and altruism, meaning to wish for others what you wish for yourself.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Karam' (generosity) is deeply tied to this phrase. It is common for Arabs to offer their own food or belongings to guests immediately upon seeing the guest admire them. In the Levant, this phrase is often used to mediate neighborhood disputes, reminding people that 'the neighbor comes before the house' (الجار قبل الدار). The phrase is a staple in the educational curriculum and is frequently cited by leaders to encourage national solidarity and volunteerism. In Morocco and Algeria, the spirit of this phrase is seen in 'Touiza'—a traditional practice where the whole village helps one person harvest their field or build their house.
Use it for 'Ithar'
If you want to impress native speakers, use this phrase when you are giving up your seat or a turn in line.
Don't over-preach
Quoting this to someone who is clearly struggling or angry might come off as dismissive of their feelings.
Meaning
A principle of empathy and altruism, meaning to wish for others what you wish for yourself.
Use it for 'Ithar'
If you want to impress native speakers, use this phrase when you are giving up your seat or a turn in line.
Don't over-preach
Quoting this to someone who is clearly struggling or angry might come off as dismissive of their feelings.
Test Yourself
Complete the Hadith with the correct words.
لا يؤمن أحدكم حتى ____ لأخيه ما يحب ____.
The Hadith specifically uses 'يحب' (loves/wishes) and 'لنفسه' (for himself).
Which situation best describes the application of this proverb?
أحمد لديه تفاحتان، واحدة كبيرة والأخرى صغيرة. ماذا يفعل ليطبق الحديث؟
True altruism (Ithar) means giving the best to others, just as you would want the best for yourself.
Complete the dialogue using the phrase.
سارة: 'لماذا تبرعتِ بفستانكِ الجديد؟' ليلى: 'لأن جارتي تحتاجه، و____.'
This is the most appropriate moral justification for such a generous act.
Match the part of the phrase to its grammatical role.
1. لا يؤمن | 2. حتى يحب | 3. لأخيه
Linguistically, 'La' negates, 'Hatta' triggers the subjunctive, and 'Li' is a preposition.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesلا يؤمن أحدكم حتى ____ لأخيه ما يحب ____.
The Hadith specifically uses 'يحب' (loves/wishes) and 'لنفسه' (for himself).
أحمد لديه تفاحتان، واحدة كبيرة والأخرى صغيرة. ماذا يفعل ليطبق الحديث؟
True altruism (Ithar) means giving the best to others, just as you would want the best for yourself.
سارة: 'لماذا تبرعتِ بفستانكِ الجديد؟' ليلى: 'لأن جارتي تحتاجه، و____.'
This is the most appropriate moral justification for such a generous act.
1. لا يؤمن | 2. حتى يحب | 3. لأخيه
Linguistically, 'La' negates, 'Hatta' triggers the subjunctive, and 'Li' is a preposition.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsMost scholars agree that in this context, 'brother' refers to 'brother in humanity,' meaning everyone.
It means one's faith is not *perfect* or *complete*. It doesn't mean they aren't a believer at all.
Yes, if the topic is corporate social responsibility or team ethics, it is very powerful.
Yes, you can just say 'حب لأخيك ما تحب لنفسك' (Love for your brother what you love for yourself).
Related Phrases
حب لغيرك ما تحب لنفسك
similarLove for others what you love for yourself.
الجار قبل الدار
builds onThe neighbor before the house.
اليد العليا خير من اليد السفلى
similarThe upper hand (giving) is better than the lower hand (taking).
الإيثار
specialized formAltruism / Preferring others.
