The Mercy of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as Taught in the Qur’an and Sunnah

Introduction

One of the most defining characteristics of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is mercy (raḥmah). Allah Himself affirmed that the Prophet’s mission is rooted in compassion, not only for the believers but for all of creation. He ﷺ was a mercy to enemies and friends, humans and animals, the young and old, and even to the environment.

Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’an:

﴿وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ﴾ (الأنبياء: 107)

“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Al-Anbiyā’, 21:107).

This article explores how this mercy was manifested through the Prophet’s words, actions, and overall mission drawing from the Qur’an, authentic Sunnah, and the insights of classical scholars.

1. Mercy as the Core of the Prophetic Mission

The Qur’an makes clear that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not sent as a tyrant or a warlord, but as a compassionate guide.

1.1 Rahmah to All Creation

The Arabic term “العالمين” includes humanity, jinn, animals, and all beings (Ibn Kathīr, 2000). His message was universal, and his compassion embraced even those who fought against him.

1.2 A Heart Full of Concern

﴿لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ... بِٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ﴾ (التوبة: 128)

“There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves; grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.” (At-Tawbah, 9:128)

2. Mercy in His Dealings with People

The Prophet’s ﷺ mercy was evident not just in preaching, but in daily interactions.

2.1 Mercy Toward Children

He kissed his grandchildren and played with them. When a Bedouin criticized him for kissing children, the Prophet replied:

«مَنْ لَا يَرْحَمْ، لَا يُرْحَمْ»

“He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.”
(al-Bukhārī, 5997; Muslim, 2318)

He would shorten prayers if he heard a child crying, showing consideration for both mother and child (al-Bukhārī, 709).

2.2 Mercy to Women

The Prophet ﷺ uplifted the status of women in a patriarchal society. He said:

«اسْتَوْصُوا بِالنِّسَاءِ خَيْرًا...»

“Treat women kindly...”
(al-Bukhārī, 3331; Muslim, 1468)

He ﷺ was gentle to his wives and never struck a woman or servant (al-Shamāʾil al-Muḥammadiyyah, 356).

3. Mercy Toward His Enemies

The Prophet’s mercy was most visible at the moment of strength, when he had the power to punish, he forgave.

3.1 The Conquest of Makkah

When the Quraysh, who had persecuted him, were at his mercy, he said:

«اذْهَبُوا فَأَنْتُمُ الطُّلَقَاءُ»

“Go, for you are free.”
(Ibn Hishām, 1998)

This act of unconditional forgiveness is still studied in military ethics.

4. Mercy to Animals and Nature

Islam, through the Prophet ﷺ, was the first faith tradition to formalize animal rights and environmental mercy.

4.1 Animals

He said:

«فِي كُلِّ كَبِدٍ رَطْبَةٍ أَجْرٌ»

“In every living being with a moist liver (i.e., life), there is a reward (for kindness).”
(al-Bukhārī, 2363)

He ﷺ forbade overburdening animals, branding them on the face, or using them for sport.

4.2 Environmental Mercy

He prohibited cutting trees in wartime and emphasized water conservation even when using a river (Musnad Aḥmad, 6625).

5. Mercy in Times of Conflict

Even in battle, the Prophet ﷺ forbade killing:

Children
Women
Monks
Animals unnecessarily
Crops or trees

He instructed his armies to fight only combatants (Muslim, 1731). Mercy governed even the rules of war.

6. Statements of Scholars About His Mercy

6.1 Imam Al-Qurṭubī

“The Prophet’s mercy was general spiritual, physical, social, and political. It extended even to non-believers.” (Al-Jāmiʿ li-Aḥkām al-Qur’ān)

6.2 Imam Al-Nawawī

“Mercy is not just softness it includes justice, protection, and wisdom. The Prophet ﷺ embodied all.” (Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

7. Practical Lessons from His Mercy Today

Be gentle with the weak and forgiving toward those who err.
Respect animals and the environment.
Correct others with compassion, not arrogance.
Teach mercy in schools and homes not just as a value but as an action.

Conclusion

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the living embodiment of mercy. His life, as guided by revelation, teaches us that mercy is strength, not weakness. It is through mercy that hearts are won, communities are built, and nations are guided.

If we hope to follow the Sunnah, we must revive his mercy in our speech, actions, and social policies.

﴿لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ﴾ (الأحزاب: 21)

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example...”

📚 References

Al-Bukhārī, M. I. (n.d.). Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī. Cairo: Dār Ibn Kathīr.
Muslim, I. H. (n.d.). Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim. Beirut: Dār al-Fikr.
Ibn Kathīr, I. (2000). Tafsīr al-Qurʾān al-ʿAẓīm. Riyadh: Dār Ṭayyibah.
Ibn Hishām, A. M. (1998). Sīrah al-Nabawiyyah. Beirut: Dār al-Maʿrifa.
Al-Ghazālī, A. H. (2004). Iḥyāʾ ʿUlūm al-Dīn. Cairo: Dār al-Maʿārif.
Al-Qurṭubī, M. (n.d.). Al-Jāmiʿ li-Aḥkām al-Qur’ān. Beirut: Dār al-Kutub al-ʿIlmiyyah.
Al-Nawawī, Y. (n.d.). Sharḥ Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim. Cairo: al-Maktabah al-Azhariyyah.
Al-Tirmidhī, M. I. (n.d.). Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī. Beirut: Dār al-Gharb al-Islāmī.

أَنوارالمحمَّدية

Search This Blog