The Source of All Good

الْبَرُّ

Al-Barr The Source of Goodness

إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْبَرُّ الرَّحِيمُ

Lo! we used to pray unto Him of old. Lo! He is the Benign, the Merciful

Surah Aṭ-Ṭūr (52:28)

Intention

Today, I will do one act of birr, genuine kindness that expects nothing in return.

Reflection

Al-Barr is The Source of Goodness, birr in Arabic encompasses righteousness, kindness, truthfulness, and fulfilling promises. Al-Barr is the origin of every good thing you have ever received and every good impulse you have ever felt. The goodness in you is not self-generated. It is from Him, through you.

On this verse

Goodness and Mercy paired. His goodness is not cold or distant, it is wrapped in mercy, delivered with care.

Du'a

The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked for birr, not just goodness in outcomes, but goodness in character.

Hadith

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Righteousness (birr) is good character, and sin is what disturbs your soul and you dislike that people know about.”

Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2553