The Mercy of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w Towards The Ummah

My dear brothers,

Have taqwa in Allah by fulfilling His commands and abstaining from His prohibitions. May our hearts be softened because of the mercy that exists in us, just as how Allah has given His mercy to our beloved messenger, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.

 

One of the more difficult sunnah for one to continuously uphold yet one that has a profound effect in our hearts, is how Rasulullah s.a.w. touched the hearts of humankind with his mercy, manners and how he treated others. All these come from a heart that is clear, free of envy and vengeful feelings, as well as a heart that is not hardened.

Let us reflect upon what Allah s.w.t. says in surah Ali ‘Imran verse 159:

 

Meaning: “So by the mercy of Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].”

This verse teaches us several steps that we can take to instil noble values in ourselves. The first step in being merciful to others is to be gentle to fellow humankind.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. was known for his gentle manners – he was gentle yet firm when interacting with others. And he portrayed this wherever he went. This is one reason why the message spread by Rasulullah s.a.w. was eventually accepted by many, and led to the spread of Islam.

Imagine if the Prophet s.a.w. was harsh, he would definitely be shunned by his community. The message that he brought would not have been widely accepted, and Islam would not have spread to the point that it has now.

Just look at how Rasulullah s.a.w. interacted with Abu Sufyan, Hindun, Wahsyi and Khalid Al-Walid radiyallahu ‘anhum. These people did not only hurt him, but had threatened to kill him as well as his loved ones. But these people were eventually touched by his mercy and his good manners.

Remember how Rasulullah s.a.w. reacted to the people of Taif who insulted, hurled stones and spat at him? Even though the angels offered to punish them, Rasulullah s.a.w. chose to respond with mercy, and hoped that they will be among those who will receive guidance from Allah. Rasulullah s.a.w. made dua for them: “I pray that Allah (s.w.t) bless their progeny to be among those who worship Allah the One and do not associate Him with anything else.” [Hadith reported by Imam Al-Bukhari]

That is the mercy shown by Rasulullah s.a.w. who was “greedy for goodness”, rather than resorting to destruction. Imagine brothers, if we had witnessed how Rasulullah s.a.w. was treated with such humiliation, we would surely be angry and furious.

The Prophet s.a.w. was disappointed and affected by the treatment of the people of Taif. Yet, his love, mercy and desire to see goodness overcame his emotions, and led to him making such a beautiful doa for the descendants of the people of Taif. It is true what Allah s.w.t. says in Surah At-taubah verse 128:

 

Meaning: “There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.”

 

The phrase “greedy for goodness” was explained by scholars of tafsir as the Prophet’s desire for goodness, and the safety and protection of those who have yet to believe in Islam. Thus, Rasulullah s.a.w. strongly hoped that they would receive guidance from Allah s.w.t. and that was why he did not allow the angels to punish the people when he could have simply done so. Just reflect upon the mercy of the Prophet!

 

Dear brothers, the next step mentioned in the verse about being merciful is to forgive and seek forgiveness.

 

Forgiving is a very good trait, and is often mentioned in the Quran. Among them, in surah Al-Baqarah verse 263:

Meaning: “Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.”

 

As I have shared earlier, Rasulullah s.a.w. continued to be gentle towards those who were hostile to him, including those who had hurt him when he started to spread the message of Islam in Madinah. During the conquest of Makkah, all of those who were hostile towards Rasulullah were gathered for him to judge. He could have chosen to punish them, yet he chose not to do so. Instead, he said to them: “Leave, verily you are freed (from any forms of punishment).”

My blessed brothers,

Let us all express our love for prophet Muhammad s.a.w. remember his sunnah and hadith, forgive and leave behind any hostile sentiments that we might harbour against anyone. This is the main essence of the sunnah.

Brothers, let us try to ensure that with every selawat, hadith and verse of the Quran that we read and fill our hearts with, we get closer to becoming followers of the Prophet whose hearts are filled with mercy, and void of hatred.

 

Ya Allah, Ya Rahman Ya Rahim,

Unite our hearts in seeking Your pleasure, improve the relationships among us in doing goodness, and abstain us from the trial of enmity and guide us to the righteous path.

 

Ya Allah, Ya Fattah Ya ‘Alim,

Give us barakah in our listening, our sight and our hearts, so that we can do good to others, and that we can accept kindness from others. Place us and our families among those who have good akhlak, who do deeds and gain knowledge with akhlak, and whose deeds and knowledge are worthy of being gathered with the Prophet s.a.w. later in the hereafter.

Amin!!