Da'wah: Have Mercy

BismIllah wa as salaamu alaikum wa Rahmat Allah wa Barakatuh

What is mercy? Here is a definition:

a refraining from harming or punishing offenders, enemies, persons in one's power, etc.; kindness in excess of what may be expected or demanded by fairness;
forbearance and compassion - imprisonment rather than the death penalty imposed on those found guilty of capital crimes
a disposition to forgive, pity, or be kind; the power to forgive or be kind;
clemency to throw oneself on the mercy of the court; kind or compassionate treatment;
relief of suffering a fortunate thing; a thing to be grateful for; a blessing.

Where is our mercy? Where is our compassion? For many, we are soft and merciful with our children. We are merciful and forgiving with our families, even if they aren't Muslim. But are we merciful with others? Are we merciful with those who we don't like, or who we don't approve of? What about the non-Muslims that we perceive as immoral, the Muslims who we perceive as disobedient or astray? Most certainly, we are not to take them as our friends and close companions, but do we show them mercy? To show mercy, through small kindnesses and polite dealings is to show the beauty of Islamic manners and practice. If we want mercy, we need to show it.

Imam Abu Dawud, At-Tirmithi reported that the prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "The merciful people will have mercy bestowed upon them by Allah (subhaana wa taala). Be merciful with those on earth, so He who in the heaven (Allah) will have mercy on you."

Imam Bukhari, Muslim and At-Tirmithi reported that the prophet (salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Allah will not have mercy on the one who does not have mercy on people."

May Allah, Al-Rahman, Al-Raheem, open our hearts to be more merciful, that He may shower His mercy on us - ameen!