Islam- The religion of mercy

Almighty Allah is the Lord and sustainer of all people, in all realms and the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is the Prophet of Mercy for one and all.  Neither is Almighty Allah, the sustainer for any particular nation/s nor is the mercy of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) limited to any particular class or sect or nation.  India is a democratic country.  People of various religions live here.  The merciful teachings of Islam benefit all of them.

Nowadays human values are being trampled upon.  Humanity is being crushed in the name of vengeance.  Oppression and harassment of others has become the order of the day.  People have fallen from ideal moral and ethical values.

On one hand, we have this sad state.  On the other, through its media, the western world reiterates and reinforces the notion that it (the western world) is the promoter and protector of human rights and that Islam has no recognition of human rights.  People who aren’t aware of the true Islamic teachings, especially the young generation, are being affected by this false propaganda.

The fact is that the western world has been harping about human rights since about the mid 19th century, but the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has granted humanity its rights 1400 years ago and honored them.  In that era of discrimination and barbarity, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) not only granted rights but safeguarded them as well

The mercy of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) is not limited to Muslims alone, but includes non-Muslims as well.  The disbelievers of Makkah had crossed all bounds in tormenting and oppressing Muslims.  The Companions had to leave their homes and hearths and emigrate to Madina.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) also emigrated to Madina.  They attacked Madina a number of times.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was requested to curse the non-Muslims, but even then He gave the whole world a message of mercy.  There is a Hadith in Sahih Muslim:

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him), he says:  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was requested: O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  Supplicate against the non-Muslims.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  I have not been sent as a curser, but the fact I have been sent as mercy.  (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 6778)

A similar Hadith is there about the clan of Thaqeef, who were non-Muslims.  There is a Hadith in Jame’ Tirmidhi:

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Jabir (May Allah be well pleased with him), he says:  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  The arrows of the clan of Thaqeef have destroyed us.  You please supplicate against them.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  O Allah!  Guide the clan of Thaqeef!  (Jame’ Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 4322)

The world has seen many examples of sworn vengeance.  They lead to bloodshed, destruction of life and limb, but even on these occasions, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) gave the message of peace instead of vengeance.

Muslims have made history by fairly treating even prisoners of war, although prisoners are considered criminals.  They are treated in a very abominable manner.  The past few decades have provided us various examples of this.  But Islam has set an example about treating them kindly.

The prisoners of the Battle of Badr who had held nothing back in troubling and torturing Muslims, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) distributed them among the Companions and gave instructions that they should be treated with kindness.

Translation: Abu ‘Aziz bin ‘Umair who was the standard-bearer of the Makkan army relates:  I was given to an Ansari (i.e. Madinite) Companion.  He was so meticulous in this that he gave me bread to eat while he himself subsisted on dates.  If his family managed to lay their hands even on one piece of bread, they would not eat it but hand it over to me.  This kindness embarrassed me.  (Subul Ul Huda War Rashad, Vol. 4, Pg. No. 66)

The incident of Saffana bint Hatim

When the prisoners from the clan of Tayy were brought to Muslims, among them was the daughter of Hatim Taai, Saffana.  The treatment of this lady is a lesson for all heads of state.  ‘Allama Ibn Katheer (May Allah shower His mercy on him) writes in Al Bidayah Wan Nihayah:

Translation: The daughter of Hatim Taai was kept in the room adjacent to the door of the Masjid as prisoners were kept there.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) passed by her.  She stood up.  She was a very eloquent woman.  She said:  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  My father has passed away.  The one who had to come has vanished.  Please treat me with benevolence.  Allah has granted you many bounties……………. (The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) replied to her and went away).  She says the next day, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) again passed by her and she again appealed to Him and He gave her the previous reply.  The third day, again the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) passed by me.  I had despaired.  A man gestured to me to stand up and entreat the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  She says:  I stood before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and entreated:  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  My father has passed away and the one who had to come has vanished.  Please honor me with benevolence!  Allah has granted you many bounties.

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  I am benevolent with you.  Don’t be hasty in leaving unless you find reliable people of your community who will escort you to your place.  Then you inform me.  I asked about that man who had gestured me to talk to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  I was told:  He is Hadhrat ‘Ali bin Abi Talib (May Allah be well pleased with him).  She says:  I got ready (for this).  Eventually men from her clan came.  She says:  I wanted to go to Syria to my brother.  I went to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and said:  Some people from my community have come.  I consider them reliable and they will escort me there.  She says:  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) arranged for my clothing, granted me a mount, gave me the expenses and I reached Syria along with them. (Al Bidayah Wan Nihayah, Vol. 5)

In those times, the law was that the prisoners of war were that they would be tortured and they would be kept as slaves for their whole life.  But the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) not only freed her but arranged for complete protection of the prisoner.  With this kindness and benevolence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) she embraced Islam.