A Compassion for
All the Worlds
The Prophet of Islam is described in the Quran as Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen (Mercy for all the worlds). Altaf Hussain Hali, a renowned Urdu poet, expressed the same in his Musaddas in these words:
“Woh Nabiyon mein Rahmat laqab pane wala”
(The one among prophets who was given the title of Mercy). The Prophet of Islam was the highest example of mercy. In the words of one historian, mercy is the key to understanding his personality. Everything he said, and everything he did, was based on the principle of mercy. He would speak only words full of mercy for human beings, and his practical life reflected only those ways that would bring mercy and goodness to society.
The religion he brought is described in the Quran with these words: God, through this religion, invites people to the House of Peace. That is why the religion he brought was named Islam, which carries the meaning of peace. He was a complete embodiment of peace, and he invited others to peace.
The Paradise he called people to has been described in the Quran as a place where there will be no useless or sinful talk—only words of peace will be heard there. In this way, he told people that if they want to live in the peaceful environment of Paradise after death, then before death, they must stay away from useless conversations and sinful actions. While living among people, they must show that their hearts are filled only with peace and goodwill for others. Without this quality, they will not be considered worthy of entering the beautiful homes of Paradise.
He taught people that when one person meets another, he should say: “As-Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” – May God’s mercy and peace be upon you. This is not just a formal greeting, but a true expression of what is in one’s heart. It means the speaker is saying: I have only peaceful feelings for you. I care for your well-being so much that prayers of peace and safety flow from my heart for you. You should never fear anything from me. You are safe from my side, for nothing but peace and mercy will come from me.
The Prophet advised people to be of help to others. If they were unable to offer any benefit, he encouraged them to at least speak kindly. And if even that was not possible, then they should at the very least ensure that others remained safe from their harm (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2518). He even said that removing a stone or thorn from the road is a part of faith (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 35).
Among the worship practices he prescribed, one is zakat—giving a portion of one’s yearly income to those in need. This is like confirming through your wealth that you truly care for others.
The foundation of human ethics laid by the Prophet is this principle: “Prefer for others the good you prefer for yourself” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 13875). This principle offers mercy to all aspects of social life. Every individual clearly understands what they like and dislike. For example, everyone wishes to be treated with love, not hatred. Everyone desires to be dealt with honestly, not deceitfully. Everyone prefers that others speak to them kindly, not harshly.
If every person begins treating others the way he wants to be treated himself, society will become a place of peace and safety.
Among his many teachings, one very important one is this: even if someone treats you badly, still treat them well. Don’t match their behaviour—rise above it. Your behaviour should not be based on how others treat you, but on your own high moral values.
There is great wisdom in this teaching. The truth is that this is the only path to real success in this world. Even when others behave badly, one must maintain good conduct. Those who fail to do this can never reach true success. They cannot stay on the high path of character that they once claimed to follow.
This world is a place where every person is free. Everyone has the opportunity to do whatever they choose. The result is that it’s not possible for all people to be alike. In a society of living, free individuals, complete uniformity can never exist.
Because of this, disagreements often occur—people clash, and complaints surface. If individuals decide to treat others well only when they are treated well in return—and badly if treated poorly—then peace and harmony will never flourish. That is why the Prophet taught: Even when people wrong you, treat them kindly. Even when people are unjust, do not respond with injustice. (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 17452)
The Prophet’s character was described in the Quran as “a sublime character” (68:4), and his life demonstrated that he was the perfect example of such character.
Living with such high character is not easy; it requires a lofty purpose. He gave people a noble and pure goal— and the truth is, those who truly carry this goal in their hearts are naturally shaped into people of great character.
That goal is the recognition of God. It is to reach God. It is to draw closer to Him. Those who understand the value of this goal and become true seekers of God find that everything else becomes small. They can easily bear hurtful words, loss, and insult. Because they live on a higher level—and those who live on a higher level do not worry about smaller matters.
One important aspect of the Prophet being Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen is that, for the first time in recorded history, he established humane rules for war and peace—and he himself followed them.
He completely forbade aggressive war. He said that war is only allowed when it becomes necessary for defense. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2966; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 1742) In other words, never start a war—but if attacked, it is allowed to defend oneself.
The second principle he gave was that peace is always better and more desirable than war. Even when war begins, efforts for peace must continue. And if the other party offers peace, then war should stop immediately—even if the peace comes with one-sided conditions.
He was not only the teacher of these principles, but he also lived by them. He practised them in the best way. His speech was full of mercy, and his life was full of mercy.
All India Radio, New Delhi, 13 October 1989.
