The Concept of Altruism: An Islamic and Psychological Perspective

Abstract

Altruism refers to taking a personal interest in the well-being of others. It can be understood by studying both religious and psychological perspectives. Sacrificing for the well-being of others is one of the most significant values in Islam and is mentioned in the teachings of the Quran and Hadith. Islam explains spiritually helping behavior. On the other hand, Psychology provides an empirical and scientific explanation of the motivation behind altruistic behaviors. Psychological theories highlight the motivations and mechanisms for altruistic behavior with a scientific explanation. These theories often place altruism in the domain of self-interests, reciprocity, and biological imperatives, but raise questions about pure selflessness. Whereas, Islamic teachings elevate altruism to a divine imperative. Quranic principles and Prophetic hadiths signify selflessness, claiming it as an act of worship, spiritual accountability, and the way to pursue Allah’s pleasure. By bridging psychological and Islamic perspectives, the article highlights the intrinsic motivation and spiritual beliefs in shaping altruistic behavior. The analysis of overlapping and distinction of both psychological and Islamic domains about altruism has great importance to show how the understanding of both perspectives makes true sense of altruism.