What does Islam say about “The Golden Rule?” Quran versus the Bible explained

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives a command that is now called the Golden Rule: “Treat people the same way you want them to treat you.” (Matthew 7:12) But as Christ-followers we must ask ourselves: do we truly comprehend the weight of this command? Do we actually live it out?    

We can consider this by meditating on Jesus’ striking question: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.” (Luke 6:32) The truth is, as sinful human beings, we are born inclined to love people who love us and hate those who wrong us.

When we are loving others, this includes people who do us wrong and who do not like us (and perhaps we find it hard to like them). But regardless, Christ wants us to treat them with love. This is one of the core differences between the teachings of the Bible and the teachings of Islam.

Muhammad tried to claim that Islam is a religion from the same God as those of Jews and Christians. But there are many ways to prove this is not true, and studying the Golden Rule is one. 

Does the Quran teach the Golden Rule? How are Muslims commanded to treat others, Muslim or not?

The Quran and the Golden Rule

When it comes to being a good neighbor in Islam, one of the most widely quoted Quran verses is Surah 4:36:

“Worship Allah alone and associate none with Him. And be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, near and distant neighbours, close friends, needy travellers, and those bondspeople in your possession. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful…”

Yet the Quran also says: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day, nor comply with what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, nor embrace the religion of truth from among those who were given the Scripture, until they pay the tax, willingly submitting, fully humbled.” (Surah 9:29)

From this we can see that the Quran undoubtedly encourages charitability among Muslims (Surah 49:10), but non-Muslims are excluded from this. Muslims are also cautioned against having any connection with those outside Islam:

“O believers! Do not associate closely with others who would not miss a chance to harm you. Their only desire is to see you suffer. Their prejudice has become evident from what they say—and what their hearts hide is far worse. We have made Our revelations clear to you, if only you understood." Surah 3:118

“O believers! Take neither Jews nor Christians as guardians—they are guardians of each other. Whoever does so will be counted as one of them. Surely Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” Surah 5:51

Jihad, Jizya, and loving your neighbor?    

The Quran often contradicts itself when it comes to non-Muslims, especially Jews and Christians. Early on, the Quran calls Jews and Christians “believers,” (Surah 2:62) advising Muslims to consult them for understanding scripture (Surah 10: 94). But then Surah 8:12 tells Muslims to strike the necks and fingers of non-Muslims.

These mixed messages are resolved by a concept known as abrogation and you can learn more about it here. Essentially, by abrogation, the Quran verses that encourage peace and respect for non-Muslims are overruled by the ones that preach warfare with non-Muslims. This is explained away by claiming Allah improved his previous commands with better ones. In other words, Allah’s message progresses from one command to the next. 

If non-Muslims are not to be treated as neighbors, then how should they be treated? What is the “Golden Rule” for treating non-Muslim “neighbors” in Islam?

• “O believers! Fight the disbelievers around you and let them find firmness in you. And know that Allah is with those mindful ˹of Him˺.” Quran 9:123

• “But once the Sacred Months have passed, kill the polytheists who violated their treaties˺ wherever you find them, capture them, besiege them, and lie in wait for them on every way. But if they repent, perform prayers, and pay alms-tax, then set them free. Indeed, Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” Quran 9:5

• “Fight those who do not believe in Allah and the Last Day, nor comply with what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, nor embrace the religion of truth from among those who were given the Scripture, until they pay the tax, willingly submitting, fully humbled.” Quran 9:29

These verses clearly demonstrate that Christians and Jews, as well as all other non- Muslims are to be heavily taxed (jizya) or killed through Jihad for their rejection of Islam. Islam then, fundamentally teaches that all unbelievers are enemies to be treated with contempt rather than kindness.

How did Mohammed treat his neighbors?   

Ironically, the Hadith includes a verse that seems to echo the Golden Rule:

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother" or he said "for his neighbor, what he loves for himself.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 66)

But Mohammed's words do not align with his actions. We need only to look at the way he treated his non-believing neighbors. Upon arriving in Medina, Mohammed entered pacts with three predominant Jewish tribes. He later broke these pacts, chasing them out of Medina, seizing their property, and even beheading 700. Around the same time, after a number of Mohammad’s followers were banished from the city of Mecca for inciting civil disorder, he permitted them to take revenge through plundering (Quran 22:39). 

Only fellow Muslims are recognized by the Quran and Hadith as worthy of compassion. So, while Islam does in a sense teach the Golden Rule, it only applies to those who believe in Islam.  

How to love your Muslim Neighbor 

In spite of the teachings of the Quran and Mohammed, many Muslims do not know these violent verses or do not take them to heart. The human desire for relationship, which the Lord planted in all of us, wins out. Muslims can in fact, be the kindest and most hospitable people on the block.

Regardless of how your Muslim neighbor acts – kind or not, hospitable or not – our instructions from Jesus do not change! We are called to love our neighbors and treat them how we’d want to be treated.

Take notice of Muslims around you and pray for opportunities to engage with them. Be hospitable, listen well, and present the Gospel in a loving, yet truth-filled way.

Most of all remember that we were all God's enemies, wholly undeserving of the gift of Christ. As Christians, our response to the mercy that Christ showed us, should be an outflowing of mercy extended to those around us. 

If you are  eager to share Jesus with Muslims, The Guide To Loving Your Muslim Neighbor is a simple and step by step resource to share the light of Christ with Muslims. Use this resource to practice sharing the gospel. 

Prayer 

Dear Lord, thank you for the greatest gift of all, your one and only Son, Jesus. Please fill me with a spirit of boldness and courage. Give me gentleness and compassion, so that I can use my gifts to witness to the lost within my community.