CULTURE OF COMPASSION

Islamic culture is a culture of mercy. In Islam, the aspect of mercy is so deeply emphasized that it entirely shapes the lives of those who fully adopt the principles of Islam.

Islam teaches that when one person meets another, they should say: As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah (Peace and mercy of God be upon you). When a person sneezes, they should say: Alhamdulillah (Praise be to God), and the one who hears it should respond: Yarhamuk Allah (May God have mercy on you). When entering the mosque for prayer, one should say: Allahumma iftah li abwaba rahmatik (O God, open for me the doors of Your mercy). Similarly, when worshippers complete their prayer, they turn their faces to the right and then to the left and say: As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullah (Peace and mercy of God be upon you all).

In this way, words of peace and mercy are spoken on every occasion and at every stage. Thinking with mercy and speaking with mercy become distinguishing qualities of people of faith. Their entire lives become shaped by the values of mercy and affection.

Many sayings of the Prophet of Islam begin with expressions such as:

•     “May God show compassion to a person...”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 430)

•     “May God be compassionate toward a man...”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2076)

•     “May divine mercy embrace you.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1057)

•     “May God have compassion on a woman...” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 1308)

•     “May God have compassion on the women of the emigrants.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 4758)

•     “May God’s mercy envelop you.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6226)

And many others.

From this, one can understand the kind of temperament Islam aims to cultivate in its followers. It is a temperament of mercy and compassion. Islam requires that on every occasion, a person should feel sentiments of mercy for others. On every occasion, a person should offer the gift of mercy and affection to others. Even when expressing disagreement, the words that come from a believer’s mouth are such as: May God have mercy on you—why did you say that?

God is merciful, and He wants His servants to live in this world with the same merciful spirit.