What can we learn about mercy from the life of the Prophet ﷺ.
(PBUH/ ﷺ = peace be upon him).
The Prophet (PBUH) was sent as a mercy to mankind. His entire being encapsulates and reflects what it means to be merciful. Merciful, not just in being sent to guide us- but his very steps and actions also reflect that of mercy.
The life led by the Prophet (PBUH) is glittered with a multitude of stories reflecting the beautiful mercy he displayed. One profound example is the following:
The Prophet ﷺ used to walk a certain way in his neighbourhood. And on this journey, he passed a woman’s house. This woman greatly disagreed with the Prophet's(ﷺ) religious beliefs and therefore she threw trash at him every single time he passed. One day, whilst passing, the woman did not throw trash at the Prophet ﷺ. This caused him concern and so he chose enquire after her. When finding out that she was sick, the Prophet ﷺ went to visit her. The women was so humbled and inspired as a result of his display of concern and compassion - she converted to Islam.
What can we learn from this story?
The Prophet’s (PBUH) mercy was not restricted to just those that treated him well. His mercy was all encompassing. He did not discriminate who was in receipt of his compassion and mercy, just as our Divine Creator does not. The mercy that the Prophet (PBUH) showed that woman is a reflection of the same mercy that our Lord shows to us. We can learn to be merciful to each other because it is a product of a good soul rather than being merciful to only those who we feel ‘deserve’ it. Let us try and cultivate the same mercy that our Creator has towards us, the mercy that is manifested in the life of the Prophet (PBUH).
The Prophet (PBUH) is said to have been sent as a mercy to mankind. But what exactly does this mean?
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” Quran (21:107)
This meant that he was sent not to compel people, but to teach and spread the light of Islam in a gentle manner. The Prophet (PBUH) was someone who was sent to see the goodness of the souls behind the imperfections of mankind. Someone who saw that the outer layer did not define a person, and that their inner goodness could shine through. He attempted to water the seed of faith implanted in the soul of every human being, and through mercy helped them to blossom spiritually.
This is reflected in the following story:
When his companions asked him to curse the idolaters of Mecca who were harassing the Muslims, the Prophet ﷺ responded ‘Verily, I was not sent to invoke curses, but rather I was only sent as mercy”.
SubhanAllah, this shows the beauty of the Prophet’s inner qualities. Even those worthy of punishment he chose to deal with with mercy.
Though he faced hardships and difficulties. Pain and cruelty. The Prophet’s (PBUH) mercy still remained. Let us take from this, that no matter the circumstances, no matter who or what we are faced with- we should respond with mercy. If we seek mercy from the One above, let us be merciful to others.
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Originally posted on Inspirited Minds.
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