Mercy… How sweet the word is and how broad its meaning. It is a pulse in the heart, a tear in the eye, and a compassionate hand extended to those in need, even before they ask. It is the light that dispels the darkness of cruelty, and it is the bridge across which souls cross toward tranquility and peace.
In Islam, mercy does not come as a byproduct; rather, it is an essential quality, a pure spring flowing from the essence of the Almighty God, then flowing through the verses of the Quran and the biography of the Chosen Prophet, and then immersing the souls of believers, making them generous, gentle, and compassionate.
“The Most Gracious… Taught the Quran”
From the first verse that souls receive from the Book of God, mercy is manifest. Everything in Islam begins with the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, as if God wants to tell His servants: “Before I am the Compeller, the Avenger, I am the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. I am the Lord of mercy before punishment, and of forgiveness before judgment.”
Mercy with God knows no bounds. It encompasses everything, as He says: “And My mercy encompasses all things” (Al-A’raf: 156).
Even the unbeliever lives under the shadow of God’s mercy, when he breathes, drinks, is granted respite, and is provided for.
Muhammad ﷺ… The Prophet of Mercy, Not War
How beautiful it is to look at the Messenger of God ﷺ not as a commander of armies, but as a heart walking on earth, overflowing with love and compassion!
He is the one about whom his Lord said:
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds” (Al-Anbiya: 107).
A mercy that is not limited to humans, but extends to animals and inanimate objects.
A woman entered Hell because of a cat, and a man entered Paradise because he gave water to a dog!
Indeed, the Prophet would advise his soldiers:
“Do not kill an old man, a child, or a woman, and do not cut down a tree.”
What kind of mercy is this that is besieged even on the battlefield?!
At the heart of Sharia… Continuous Mercy
The rulings of Islam are not a whip raised over people’s necks, but rather an umbrella of mercy that covers life.
Prayer alleviates the suffering of the sick.
Fasting breaks the fast for the traveler.
Even the prescribed punishments were not imposed to be enforced by force, but rather to deter. They have strict conditions and avenues for forgiveness and pardon.
Zakat is not a tax, but an outpouring of social compassion.
Hajj is not a physical journey, but rather a spiritual nurturing, a season of mercy that flows from the Kaaba to the hearts of pilgrims.
The hearts of believers… Vessels of Mercy
A believer is not truly a believer until he is merciful to people.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth, and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi).
There is no place for harshness in the heart of a Muslim.
Gentleness, kind words, helping the needy, wiping away an orphan’s tears… these are hidden acts of worship, unseen, but they elevate their possessor in the ranks of the Most Merciful.
Mercy is not weakness
Some people think that mercy is weakness, but in the scale of faith, it is strength.
To forgive when you are able… that is heroism.
To pardon when you are wounded… that is greatness.
To console others when you are burdened with worry… that is the mercy that God loves.
In conclusion…
Mercy in Islam is not a passing virtue; rather, it is the spirit of the religion, the title of prophethood, and the essence of legislation.
O you who seek peace, cultivate mercy in your heart.
O you who hope for your Lord’s forgiveness, be merciful to His servants.
Mercy never dies; it returns to you, and it may be the reason for your salvation on the Day when people will stand in rows and deeds will be weighed on a scale that does not make mistakes.
“So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it.”
How many atoms of mercy… tipped the scales of a servant, so he won God’s eternal mercy.
