Can a Muslim Feel Sorry for a Non-Muslim’s Hardship or Is It a Sin?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

Can a Muslim feel sorry for a non-muslim’s hardship or is it a sin?

Answer

Thank you for your question.

It is permissible to feel compassion for the hardships that any human goes through, otherwise, it would be inhumane. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was sent as a mercy to the worlds, and we should remember that even Prophet Moses, (peace be upon him) was commanded to speak to Pharaoh gently and mercifully in the Quran. Allah Most High said, “Speak to him gently, so perhaps he may be mindful ˹of Me˺ or fearful ˹of My punishment˺.” [Quran, 20:44]

Please see these excellent details about the sunna of dealing with non-Muslims:
Video: Prophet Muhammad PBUH Mercy for Humanity by Sheikh Tanveer
Can We Pray for a Non-Muslim’s Worldly and Religious Good?
Giving Charity to Non-Muslims When There Are Many Poor Muslims

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.