THE PRINCIPLE OF COMPASSION

The Quran describes God as Al-Rahman and Al-Rahim—meaning exceedingly kind and deeply merciful. Similarly, the Prophet of Islam is referred to as “a mercy to all the worlds” (21:107), signifying that he was sent as a source of compassion for all humanity. His most prominent quality was his embodiment of universal mercy.

The Quran instructs people to encourage one another in patience and compassion: “And advise one another to be steadfast, and advise one another to be compassionate” (Quran, 90:17). This means that every individual should deal with others with kindness, empathy, and care—even in situations of injustice or mistreatment. A person should maintain a compassionate attitude regardless of how others behave. Commenting on this verse, commentator al-Qurtubi explains that it means: “To show mercy to all of God’s creation.” (Tafsir al-Qurtubi, Vol. 20, p. 71)

Many sayings of the Prophet of Islam emphasize this teaching. For example, he said: “The Merciful shows mercy to those who are merciful.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 4941) In another narration: “Show mercy to those on earth, and the One in the heavens will show mercy to you.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 1924) Another hadith states: “God shows mercy to those among His servants who are merciful to others.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1284)

This message of compassion became so widespread that it became an essential part of Muslim thought and literature across cultures. Its echo can be heard in every language. A Muslim poet from the Indian subcontinent beautifully expressed it:

“Karo mehrbani tum ahl-e-zameen par;
Khuda mehrban hoga arsh-e-bareen par.”

“Show kindness to the people of the earth; God on the Throne will be kind to you.”

The importance of this principle in Islam is so great that it is treated as a deeply personal matter. In a hadith recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet of Islam said: “God does not show mercy to those who are not merciful to others.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 7376)