Empathy vs. Sympathy vs. Compassion

"In the name of God, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful"

Empathy: You feel the same as the other person. You feel the experience of the person as you have already been there in the same situation.

I know something about how you feel; I was hungry once myself.

Sympathy: You do not necessary feel the same as the other, but you understand the situation, you understand that the situation needs to be changed.

I feel bad that you are hungry.

Compassion: not only you understand the situation, you do act to fix it. Compassion is a virtue.

Friend, let’s go get something to eat.

"And what will explain to you what the steep path is? It is the freeing of a (slave) from bondage; or the giving of food in a day of famine to an orphan relative, or to a needy in distress. Then will he be of those who believe, enjoin fortitude and encourage kindness and compassion." Quran, Chapter 90, Verses 12-17