Why Islam stresses both individual and social responsibility?

Pars Today – Islam is a social religion that takes into account all aspects of human life—both individual and collective. From its perspective, a life that ignores either dimension cannot be complete or fulfilling.

What distinguishes Islam from many other religions is its stronger emphasis on the social aspects of life. Islam does not accept that individuals remain indifferent to the conditions of their society. According to Pars Today, Islam views the Islamic community as a “single ummah”—meaning that if one part of society suffers, all other parts are affected as well. This perspective highlights the importance of social solidarity in Islam.

Reforming society is only possible through the cooperation of all members. Islam teaches that the people, alongside their government, must work together to solve economic and political problems. In this worldview, the individual is responsible toward society, and society is responsible toward the individual—neither is complete without the other. Islam seeks to awaken both personal and social conscience within people, shielding them from selfishness and self-centeredness.

The Prophet of Islam said: “Indeed, all of you are shepherds, and all of you are responsible for your flocks.” This means that every member of the Islamic community bears responsibility (not supremacy) and will be held accountable regarding God’s blessings and their dealings with other Muslims. This teaching nurtures a spirit of solidarity—where the pain of one becomes the pain of all, and the joy of one becomes the joy of all.

The Qur’an also emphasises this point. Ayahs 9 and 10 of Surah al-Hashr state:

“And those who came after them [after the emigrants and the Ansar] say: ‘Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith, and do not place any envy or hatred in our hearts toward the believers. Our Lord, indeed, You are Kind and Merciful.’”

These verses and narrations show that Islam places great emphasis on empathy, selflessness, and unity among people. Looking at the life of the Prophet and his companions, we see that they consistently guided others with compassion, prevented them from falling into error, and worked for their growth and salvation. This spirit of solidarity and mutual understanding provides a pathway to solving humanity’s problems.