Mercy To Mankind

The Prophet Muhammad: A Mercy to Mankind

Allah Almighty gathered all the attributes of beauty and human perfection and granted them to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). His personality was characterized by the noblest actions and sayings. Before the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) received revelation from Allah, he was known as the Truthful and the Trustworthy. His lineage was highly respected for its noble status, and no one ever spoke ill of it. It is often said that his biography alone is enough to convince non-Muslims of the truth of Islam. He was exactly as Allah described him when defending him against the claims made by his people:

“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ), Surah Al-Qalam, Ayah 4.

One of the attributes that truly distinguished the personality of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is his mercy. He is the Messenger of Mercy to humankind. In the Holy Quran, Allah speaks about the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and says that he is a preacher and a sincere guide, that he feels sympathy for his Ummah, and that he is keen to guide people. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was a source of peace for his Ummah and a protector from Allah’s punishment. Allah says in the Quran, in Surah Al-Anfal, Ayah 33:

“And Allah would not punish them while you (Muhammad ﷺ) are amongst them, nor will He punish them while they seek Allah’s forgiveness.”

In his life and death, he was a mercy and a source of goodness to believers.

The mercy of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) encompassed everyone: the poor and the rich, the strong and the weak, the master and the slave, the enemy and the friend, and the young and the old, not to mention his mercy towards animals and objects.

It was reported that the companion Hudhaifa said: “I encountered the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) in one of the streets of Medina, and he said: ‘I am Muhammad; I am Ahmad; I am the Prophet of Mercy and the Prophet of Repentance; I am the Follower [of the earlier Prophets]; I am the Gatherer and the Prophet of the Fierce Battles.’”

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was especially merciful towards children; he was the most merciful person to them. He treated children as if he were their father. He used to play with them, and he was their guide and teacher. This is why he said, “The best of men are my generation, then those who come next to them, then those who come next to them,” because they were raised by him and his companions.

Sayyidna Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “I have never seen anyone more kind to children than Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ).” The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to greet children with affection and kiss them lovingly.

Lady A’isha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “Some Bedouins came to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. One of their men said to him, ‘Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), do you kiss children? By Allah, we do not kiss them.’ The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘Can I put mercy in your hearts after Allah has removed it from them?’

The Prophetic Mercy Towards Sinners

Nowadays, much is said about acceptance in mental health, and that the best way to begin healing is by accepting yourself and others. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) set an example of how to deal with sinners and their questions. He taught his people to show humanity towards everything around them, even towards people who committed sins and asked for forgiveness. It was reported that Sayyiduna Abu Umamah narrated:

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‘A young man came to the Prophet, pece and blessings be upon him, and said, “O Messenger of Allah, give me permission to commit adultery.” The people turned to rebuke him, saying, “Quiet! Quiet!” The Prophet said, “Come here.” The young man came close, and the Prophet asked him to sit down. The Prophet said, “Would you like that for your mother?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you.” The Prophet said, “Neither would people like it for their mothers. Would you like that for your daughter?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you.” The Prophet said, “Neither would people like it for their daughters. Would you like that for your sister?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you.” The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Neither would people like it for their sisters. Would you like that for your aunts?” The man said, “No, by Allah, may I be sacrificed for you.” The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “Neither would people like it for their aunts.” Then, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) placed his hand on him and said, “O Allah, forgive his sins, purify his heart, and guard his chastity.”

After that, the young man never again inclined towards anything sinful.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did not approve of sins and mistakes, but he clearly understood that all believers would make mistakes, and he guided us on how to deal with this fact. This guidance also applies to ourselves; in other words, when we make mistakes or commit sins, we need to learn how to forgive others and ourselves as well. Sayyidna Abu Huraira said:

“When a man who had been drinking was brought to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), he told those present to beat him. So, some of us beat him with their hands, some with their sandals, and some with their garments. Then, when the man went away, one of those present said, ‘May Allah shame you!’ The Prophet said, ‘Do not say such a thing. Do not help the devil to get power over him.’”

This was a clear message to his companions: instead of despising the sinner, you should pray for him or her. All praise is due to Allah for sending the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to guide us. He enlightened the world, removing the darkness from our hearts and minds. May Allah’s Peace and Blessings be upon our Master, Prophet Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdullah, the Last of the Prophets and Messengers, and upon his Household, Companions, and those who follow his guidance until the Last Day!