16 – Hadith – What Makes a Believer

None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.

The implications of this – this Muslim version of the golden rule -- are far-reaching. It means that when Muhammad talks about being a believer, it’s way beyond smashing idols and proclaiming there is only one God. This is surface belief, performative belief. To truly believe you must internalize the message and live it. When a Muslim proclaims that there is no God but God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God – it also means a pledge of altruism.