MERCY AND SWORD
In the Quran, the Prophet of Islam is referred to as a mercy to the worlds (21:107). A hadith also mentions that the Prophet said, “I am Muhammad… and the Prophet of Compassion.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2355)
On the one hand, there are clear statements regarding the Prophet’s status. On the other hand, there is a hadith in which the Prophet is reported to have said, “My provision has been placed under the shade of my spear.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 2913) In another narration, he said: “I have been sent with the sword, just before the Hour.” (Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 5115)
At first glance, these two statements may seem contradictory, but there is no conflict between them. They actually reflect two different aspects: one speaks of mercy, and the other of the sword.
The reality is that the Prophet of Islam was not the only prophet of mercy. All of God’s prophets were messengers of mercy, and each brought the message of mercy. For example, in the Quran, the book of Prophet Musa (Moses) is described as a mercy (11:17). However, the key difference lies in the fact that earlier prophets were unable to establish a strong and supportive community that could uphold and defend their teachings for future generations. As a result, their missions were obstructed by opposition and failed to advance. When those prophets passed away, their movements faded with them.
In the time of earlier prophets, God’s religion remained limited to an intellectual call. It never developed into a broad-based ideological revolution capable of transforming society or overturning the stagnant and traditional order of history.
In contrast, the Prophet of Islam, with God’s help, was granted a powerful group of supporters. When his opponents tried to suppress his peaceful teaching with aggression, the Prophet, with the assistance of his companions, was in a position to effectively respond to their attacks and thwart their malicious plans.
The references to the spear and the sword in these hadiths are meant to highlight the defensive power available to the Prophet, not to describe his true prophetic role.
