Islam: Desire for Others What You Desire for Yourself
September 21, 2026
At Common Ground, people of every faith—and no faith—gather to learn from one another and work for a more compassionate and just world. In this week’s post, we listen to one tradition’s history and wisdom while respecting the diversity found within it.
Faithful Surrender to God
Islam arose in seventh-century Arabia through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims understand Muhammad as the final prophet in a line that includes figures such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. The word Islam is connected with surrender or submission to God, and Muslim means one who submits to God. Islam is practiced by diverse cultures and communities around the world; most Muslims are not Arab.
Sacred Writings and Practices
The Qur’an is Islam’s central sacred text and is understood by Muslims as God’s revelation to Muhammad. Hadith collections preserve reports about the Prophet’s words and actions and help guide belief and practice. The Five Pillars are the declaration of faith, daily prayer, giving to those in need, fasting during Ramadan, and pilgrimage to Mecca when a person is able. Muslims also celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha during the pilgrimage season.
The Golden Rule
A celebrated hadith teaches that none of you truly believes until you love for another what you love for yourself. This teaching asks people to move beyond selfishness and recognize the hopes and needs of others. The Qur’an also repeatedly calls people to justice, mercy, generosity, care for neighbors, and protection of people who are vulnerable.
Compassion as a Way of Life
Two of the names most often used for God in the Qur’an are the Most Compassionate and the Most Merciful. Muslims are called to reflect that mercy in human relationships. Zakat, required charitable giving, is not simply optional kindness; it expresses the responsibility of a community to share its resources. Hospitality, feeding others, caring for relatives and neighbors, and speaking against injustice are practical expressions of faith.
Finding Our Common Ground
Islam teaches that devotion to God must affect the way we treat people. At Common Ground, we honor this call by asking whether we desire safety, freedom, belonging, and opportunity only for ourselves or for everyone. Healthy self-love and love of neighbor belong together: we recognize our own God-given dignity while refusing to deny that dignity to anyone else.
Common Ground is an open and affirming interfaith gathering where people of every faith—and no faith—explore justice, compassion, and community together. Come as you are. Everyone belongs.
