1 Prosocial Behavior in the Islamic Tradition Anisah Bagasra, PhD Social psychologists often view human beings as inherently social animals (Baumeister & Bushman, 2008), who rely on interaction with other human beings to enhance their quality of life, shape attitudes, and influence behaviors. One set of behaviors that are of interest to social psychologists are termed prosocial behaviors. Prosocial behaviors are broadly defined as any behavior that is positive or helpful (Myers, 2010), or a behavior that is beneficial to individuals or society. These behaviors typically build relationships between people or groups (Baumeister & Bushman, 2008) and are categorized by social psychologists under the term helping behaviors. Social psychological research on prosocial behaviors usually focuses on why and when people help, and what interferes with helping. Some of the research, especially in the area of bystander effect and diffusion of responsibility, focuses on ways to increase helping in social settings. Major forms of prosocial behavior include cooperation, forgiveness, following the rule of law, volunteering, helping in emergency situations, and donation of goods or services. Reasons identified in social psychological research for prosocial behaviors include social exchange or reciprocity (Piliavin, 2003), social norms that encourage prosocial behaviors (Berkowitz, 1972; Whatley et al, 1999), personality factors (Hilbig, Glockner & Zettler, 2004), empathy for the sufferer (Graziano et al., 2007), and internal rewards such as relieving the distress we experience from others suffering (Krebs, 1975). Unlike other animal species, humans are willing to and often provide help to those outside of their direct kin. Religious traditions throughout the world tend to promote prosocial behaviors. While the promotion of such behaviors may involve guilt or reciprocity, more often religious traditions promote helping others in need by utilizing the social responsibility norm. In the social