The Prophet Muhammad: Endless Mercy, Eternal Compassion

Endless Mercy, Eternal Compassion

 The most exalted attribute of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is his boundless mercy. The Qur'an honours him with the very title of "mercy," declaring him "a mercy to all the worlds" (21:107). One verse in particular captures this essence: "It is by the mercy of Allah that you were lenient with them" (3:159). This Prophetic conduct, rooted in mercy, patience, and unwavering openness, bore blessed fruits. It was a fundamental reason why people embraced Islam in droves, often after being among his fiercest enemies and most aggressive opponents. The very people who once sought to extinguish his light came to see him as the illumination of their lives, the joy of their hearts, and the delight of their souls. They grew to love him more than anything in the world, holding him dearer than their own families, children, wealth, and even their very selves. 

The compassion of the Prophet ﷺ was a vast ocean that touched everyone in its reach. It flowed effortlessly to his companions, friends, children, wives, women, slaves, the weak, the needy, orphans, and to all of humanity. His mercy was not confined to people alone; it extended to birds, animals, and even the environment, embodying a love that knew no boundaries. This spring of love and care left an indelible mark on history, painting countless beautiful pictures of his compassion in action. 

How did the Prophet ﷺ interact with his followers? After the Morning Prayer, he would engage in friendly conversations with his companions, asking about their lives and well-being. If someone was absent from the congregation for more than three days, he would inquire about them. If the person was traveling, he would offer prayers for their safety; if they were ill, he would personally visit them, extending his heartfelt support. During such a visit to Saad ibn Ubadah, the Prophet ﷺ, moved by Saad’s condition, shed tears. His tears were an expression of mercy. When Usman bin Mazoon passed away, the Prophet ﷺ kissed his shrouded body, and tears streamed down his face. While revealing the warnings of Allah’s punishment in the Quran, he would turn to his Lord in prayer, exclaiming, "Oh my Ummah!" With tears in his eyes, he would plead for his followers. Even as he approached the end of his life, the Prophet’s ﷺ final prayers and thoughts were for his Ummah.

The Prophet’s ﷺ compassion towards his wives and female companions was a beautiful embodiment of mercy, love, and respect. He frequently advised his followers to treat women with kindness, patience, and gentleness, emphasizing the importance of honouring and caring for them. The Prophet ﷺ himself set the highest example of this mercy within his own household, treating his wives and female companions with extraordinary tenderness and respect. In his daily life, the Prophet ﷺ actively participated in household tasks. He would mend his own clothes, repair his shoes, milk the goats, and serve himself. Aisha, his beloved wife, was asked, 

"Did the Messenger of Allah work in his house?" 

"Yes, the Messenger of Allah would mend his shoes, sew his clothes, and work in his house just like any one of you would in your own home," she replied. 

After his mother Amina passed away, at just six years old, Ummu Ayman, his nursemaid, took on the role of nurturing him. He ﷺ never forgot her kindness. When he grew older, he freed her, and she married one. But her husband died soon. Then the Prophet ﷺ said of her: 'Whoever wishes to marry a woman from the people of Paradise should marry.' Zaid ibn Haritha soon married her. He would often say, "Ummu Ayman is my mother after my mother." His constant visits to her and his affection for her highlight his deep gratitude and enduring love for the women who cared for him. 

The image of the Prophet ﷺ standing at the grave of his mother, Amina, who had left him at the tender age of six, decades later, at the age of 59, with tears in his eyes and prayers in his heart, filled with emotion, is a touching scene, set against the backdrop of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. We see the tenderness and care he extended to all, regardless of status. A slave girl could take the Prophet ﷺ's hand and lead him wherever she wished, even to fulfil her personal needs. At various moments throughout his life, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) consistently advocated for the good treatment of women. His farewell sermon during the Hajj echoed this enduring message: "Be mindful of women and treat them well, for they are your helpers." 

His ﷺ love and compassion for children radiated from every interaction, filling hearts with warmth and tenderness. His gentle spirit is beautifully captured in various accounts. When his beloved son Ibrahim was born, His joy was boundless. He frequently visited ‘Awali, the area near Madinah where Ibrahim was nursed, cradling him with love, showering him with kisses, and soothing him in a way only a father could. When Ibrahim passed away in infancy, the Prophet’s ﷺ grief was palpable. He held his son close one last time, tears streaming down his face as he mourned, "Ibrahim is my son, and he has passed away while still in the age of nursing." 

His tender compassion also extended to his grandchildren, Hasan and Husayn. Whenever they approached, he would embrace them, kiss them, and shower them with affection. When asked who was dearest to him, he ﷺ immediately replied, "Hasan and Husayn." Once, Al-Aqra’ ibn Habis, a companion, observed the Prophet ﷺ kissing his grandson and remarked, "I have ten children and have never kissed any of them." 

"He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy," he ﷺ gently responded,  

On another occasion, as he led prayer, his prostration became unusually prolonged. When asked why, he explained, "My son has mounted me, and I disliked to rush him until he finishes his need." This image of the Prophet ﷺ, at the height of his devotion, patiently allowing a child to play on his back, reflects his gentle nature. He would rush to console Fatimah whenever he heard Hasan crying, saying, "Did you not know that his crying hurts me?" And then there was Umamah, his granddaughter, the daughter of Zaynab. He would carry her in his arms during prayer, gently setting her down as he bowed and prostrated, only to lift her again when he stood. Such scenes of love and devotion paint a picture of a man whose life was steeped in affection and mercy.

The mercy of the Prophet ﷺ radiated through his tender interactions with the children of his companions. When companions brought their little ones to him, he would light up, playfully engaging with them, wrapping them in his gentle embrace, and allowing them the sacred privilege of sitting in his lap. He would stroke their heads lovingly, shower them with gifts, and organize lively competitions where children rushed to him, eyes sparkling with delight as he kissed and embraced them. The sorrow of young companions martyred in battles cut deeply into his spirit, intertwining grief with boundless empathy for their families. 

A poignant instance of this is seen in his reaction to the martyrdom of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib (R) during the Battle of Mu'tah. Upon receiving the heart-wrenching news, the Prophet ﷺ rushed to the home of Ja'far’s wife, Asma bint Umais (may Allah be pleased with her), asking for his children. When they arrived, he embraced them, tears streaming down his face. Asma, noticing his sorrow, inquired about Ja'far, and with profound sadness, he revealed the truth of his martyrdom. The Prophet ﷺ then went home and urged his family to care for Ja'far's family, saying, "Do not neglect the family of Ja'far and prepare food for them, for they are in need due to the distress that has come upon them." 

The companions were witnesses to the profound love and compassion the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) held for children. They often brought their young ones to him. They would be enveloped in his warmth and kindness. His face would light up with joy at their arrival. He would sat children with him, call their names, give them sweets, and pray for them. He never expressed annoyance or frustration when a child urinated on his garment, nor did he scold anyone for bringing the child to him. Instead, he would simply pour a little water or wash them keeping the smile on his face.

Anas ibn Malik had a young brother who owned a small pet bird. One day, the bird died, leaving the little boy heartbroken. The Prophet ﷺ, upon hearing of his sadness, left the masjid and sought out the grieving child. With tenderness and concern, he gently inquired about the bird, asking, "O Abu Umayr, what happened to the little bird?" The Prophet’s ﷺ presence brought an immediate sense of calm, as he shared his warmth and compassion with the child. No grief was too small for him to address, and through his words and actions, he offered solace, embodying the mercy he was sent to bestow on all of creation. 

Let’s delve into the inspiring story of Zayd ibn Thabith, a remarkable boy at the tender age of thirteen. In the second year of Hijrah, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received alarming news that a Quraysh army of nearly a thousand was advancing to annihilate the Muslims, he and his companions prepared for the Battle of Badr. Among the brave souls ready to face this daunting challenge was young Zayd, standing beside the Prophet ﷺ with a sword in hand. "O Prophet ﷺ, please grant me permission to fight alongside you against the enemies," he implored. He ﷺ patted Zayd on the shoulder and gently moved him aside. The boy felt a pang of sadness and began to sob at the thought of being separated from the Prophet ﷺ. Yet Zayd's hope remained unshaken. He yearned to be close to the Holy Prophet ﷺ. So he wanted to be one learning from him believing that age should not restrict knowledge. Driven by this desire, he confided in his mother. 

With determination, Zayd began to memorize the parts of the Quran that had been revealed. His mother shared his talent with the companions, who brought him to the Prophet ﷺ, saying, "O Prophet ﷺ, this boy has memorized the Quran beautifully. He writes and recites very well. He wishes to be with you and the Quran." He ﷺ listened him, and was impressed by Zayd’s sharp intellect. He instructed, "Zayd, learn the language of the Jews for me." 

At that time, the Prophet ﷺ used to seek help from the Jewish community to write in Hebrew or translate letters and documents from Hebrew, but he wished to change that. Within just a few days, Zayd learned the language. Soon after, he was tasked with mastering Syriac, the language of the Syrian Christians. He became a writer and translator for the Prophet ﷺ in these languages. Ultimately, Zayd grew to be one of the scribes of the Quran. This beautiful tale teaches us about compassion, the importance of nurturing a child's aspirations, and the creative ways to harness their abilities. 

He ﷺ exemplified a rare and profound compassion towards the weak and vulnerable. For ten years, Anas ibn Malik served the Prophet ﷺ, encountering not a trace of impatience or reproach. “He never said ‘Uff!’ to me,” Anas recounted, “nor did he question my actions.” Once, sending Anas on a simple task, he discovered the boy had become distracted by the laughter of children at play. The Prophet ﷺ approached with a beaming smile, holding Anas's collar with a playful gentleness. “O Anas, go where I commanded you.” 

Beyond personal interactions, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized the rights and dignity of those in servitude. He reminded his followers that “Your brothers are your helpers,” urging them to care for their servants with the same respect and kindness they would expect for themselves. He ﷺ insisted that they should be fed from the same food and clothed in the same garments. Aisha shared that the Prophet ﷺ never struck anyone, neither a woman nor a servant, unless it was for the sake of justice. 

het Muhammad was the Pinnacle of Human Virtue

 At its core, humanity refers to the collective attributes and qualities that characterize human beings as individuals and as a species. This includes our capacity for emotional depth, moral discernment, and the ability to form meaningful connections with others. Humanity is what distinguishes us from other species; it is our consciousness, our ability to reflect on our actions, and our potential for growth and transformation. Humanity encompasses the qualities that define what it means to be human, including the capacity for empathy, compassion, kindness, and moral reasoning. It embodies the essence of our shared existence, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all people, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. The noblest forms of humanity refer to the highest ideals and values that inspire individuals to act for the greater good, promote justice, and nurture the well-being of others. If you were to seek a human being who embodied the highest virtues ever known to mankind, you would inevitably arrive at the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In his 63 years, he became a living testament to the most profound and unparalleled embodiment of noble values. No leader, past or present, can claim to have instilled such an enduring and universal set of virtues into the fabric of human society, leaving an indelible mark on every heart that encounters his legacy. Justice that never wavered, compassion that knew no bounds, patience in the face of adversity, and humility in the glow of greatness—these are only a glimpse into the treasure trove of qualities he possessed. His every word was a beacon of wisdom, his every action a lesson in integrity, and his very presence a source of mercy and hope for all who sought it. From the grandeur of leadership to the quietness of everyday kindness, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified the full spectrum of human excellence. Whether with the poor and downtrodden or with kings and commanders, he treated all with dignity and love, sowing seeds of brotherhood, cooperation, and peace that continue to flourish today. The Qur'an beautifully affirms the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ unparalleled moral stature in the verse: "And you are indeed on an exalted standard of moral character". The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself affirmed his mission when he said, “I was only sent to perfect to perfect the most noble of Endless Mercy, Eternal Compassion

The most exalted attribute of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is his boundless mercy. The Qur'an honours him with the very title of "mercy," declaring him "a mercy to all the worlds" (21:107). One verse in particular captures this essence: "It is by the mercy of Allah that you were lenient with them" (3:159). This Prophetic  conduct, rooted in mercy, patience, and unwavering openness, bore blessed fruits. It was a fundamental reason why people embraced Islam in droves, often after being among his fiercest enemies and most aggressive opponents. The very people who once sought to extinguish his light came to see him as the illumination of their lives, the joy of their hearts, and the delight of their souls. They grew to love him more than anything in the world, holding him dearer than their own families, children, wealth, and even their very selves. The compassion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a vast ocean that touched everyone in its reach. It flowed effortlessly to his companions, friends, children, wives, women, slaves, the weak, the needy, orphans, and to all of humanity. His mercy was not confined to people alone; it extended to birds, animals, and even the environment, embodying a love that knew no boundaries. This spring of love and care left an indelible mark on history, painting countless beautiful pictures of his compassion in action. How did the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ interact with his followers? After the Morning Prayer, he would engage in friendly conversations with his companions, asking about their lives and well-being. If someone was absent from the congregation for more than three days, he would inquire about them. If the person was traveling, he would offer prayers for their safety; if they were ill, he would personally visit them, extending his heartfelt support. During such a visit to Saad ibn Ubadah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, moved by Saad’s condition, shed tears. His tears were an expression of mercy. When Usman bin Mazoon passed away, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ kissed his shrouded body, and tears streamed down his face. While revealing the warnings of Allah’s punishment in the Quran, he would turn to his Lord in prayer, exclaiming, "Oh my Ummah!" With tears in his eyes, he would plead for his followers. Even as he approached the end of his life, the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ final prayers and thoughts were for his Ummah. The Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ compassion towards his wives and female companions was a beautiful embodiment of mercy, love, and respect. Prophet Muhammad frequently advised his followers to treat women with kindness, patience, and gentleness, emphasizing the importance of honouring and caring for them. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself set the highest example of this mercy within his own household, treating his wives and female companions with extraordinary tenderness and respect. In his daily life, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ actively participated in household tasks. Prophet Muhammad would mend his own clothes, repair his shoes, milk the goats, and serve himself. Aisha, his beloved wife, was asked, "Did the Messenger of Allah work in his house?" "Yes, the Messenger of Allah would mend his shoes, sew his clothes, and work in his house just like any one of you would in your own home," she replied. After his mother Amina passed away, at just six years old, Ummu Ayman, his nursemaid, took on the role of nurturing him. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never forgot her kindness. When he grew older, he freed her, and she married one. But her husband died soon. Then the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said of her: 'Whoever wishes to marry a woman from the people of Paradise should marry.' Zaid ibn Haritha soon married her. Prophet Muhammad would often say, "Ummu Ayman is my mother after my mother." His constant visits to her and his affection for her highlight his deep gratitude and enduring love for the women who cared for him. The image of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ standing at the grave of his mother, Amina, who had left him at the tender age of six, decades later, at the age of 59, with tears in his eyes and prayers in his heart, filled with emotion, is a touching scene, set against the backdrop of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. We see the tenderness and care he extended to all, regardless of status. A slave girl could take the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ's hand and lead him wherever she wished, even to fulfil her personal needs. At various moments throughout his life, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) consistently advocated for the good treatment of women. His farewell sermon during the Hajj echoed this enduring message: "Be mindful of women and treat them well, for they are your helpers." His ﷺ love and compassion for children radiated from every interaction, filling hearts with warmth and tenderness. His gentle spirit is beautifully captured in various accounts. When his beloved son Ibrahim was born, His joy was boundless. Prophet Muhammad frequently visited ‘Awali, the area near Madinah where Ibrahim was nursed, cradling him with love, showering him with kisses, and soothing him in a way only a father could. When Ibrahim passed away in infancy, the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ grief was palpable. Prophet Muhammad held his son close one last time, tears streaming down his face as he mourned, "Ibrahim is my son, and he has passed away while still in the age of nursing." His tender compassion also extended to his grandchildren, Hasan and Husayn. Whenever they approached, he would embrace them, kiss them, and shower them with affection. When asked who was dearest to him, he ﷺ immediately replied, "Hasan and Husayn." Once, Al-Aqra’ ibn Habis, a companion, observed the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ kissing his grandson and remarked, "I have ten children and have never kissed any of them." "Prophet Muhammad who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy," he ﷺ gently responded,  On another occasion, as he led prayer, his prostration became unusually prolonged. When asked why, he explained, "My son has mounted me, and I disliked to rush him until he finishes his need." This image of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, at the height of his devotion, patiently allowing a child to play on his back, reflects his gentle nature. Prophet Muhammad would rush to console Fatimah whenever he heard Hasan crying, saying, "Did you not know that his crying hurts me?" And then there was Umamah, his granddaughter, the daughter of Zaynab. Prophet Muhammad would carry her in his arms during prayer, gently setting her down as he bowed and prostrated, only to lift her again when he stood. Such scenes of love and devotion paint a picture of a man whose life was steeped in affection and mercy.

The mercy of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ radiated through his tender interactions with the children of his companions. When companions brought their little ones to him, he would light up, playfully engaging with them, wrapping them in his gentle embrace, and allowing them the sacred privilege of sitting in his lap. Prophet Muhammad would stroke their heads lovingly, shower them with gifts, and organize lively competitions where children rushed to him, eyes sparkling with delight as he kissed and embraced them. The sorrow of young companions martyred in battles cut deeply into his spirit, intertwining grief with boundless empathy for their families. A poignant instance of this is seen in his reaction to the martyrdom of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib (R) during the Battle of Mu'tah. Upon receiving the heart-wrenching news, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ rushed to the home of Ja'far’s wife, Asma bint Umais (may Allah be pleased with her), asking for his children. When they arrived, he embraced them, tears streaming down his face. Asma, noticing his sorrow, inquired about Ja'far, and with profound sadness, he revealed the truth of his martyrdom. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ then went home and urged his family to care for Ja'far's family, saying, "Do not neglect the family of Ja'far and prepare food for them, for they are in need due to the distress that has come upon them." The companions were witnesses to the profound love and compassion the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) held for children. They often brought their young ones to him. They would be enveloped in his warmth and kindness. His face would light up with joy at their arrival. Prophet Muhammad would sat children with him, call their names, give them sweets, and pray for them. Prophet Muhammad never expressed annoyance or frustration when a child urinated on his garment, nor did he scold anyone for bringing the child to him. Instead, he would simply pour a little water or wash them keeping the smile on his face. Anas ibn Malik had a young brother who owned a small pet bird. One day, the bird died, leaving the little boy heartbroken. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, upon hearing of his sadness, left the masjid and sought out the grieving child. With tenderness and concern, he gently inquired about the bird, asking, "O Abu Umayr, what happened to the little bird?" The Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ presence brought an immediate sense of calm, as he shared his warmth and compassion with the child. No grief was too small for him to address, and through his words and actions, he offered solace, embodying the mercy he was sent to bestow on all of creation. Let’s delve into the inspiring story of Zayd ibn Thabith, a remarkable boy at the tender age of thirteen. In the second year of Hijrah, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received alarming news that a Quraysh army of nearly a thousand was advancing to annihilate the Muslims, he and his companions prepared for the Battle of Badr. Among the brave souls ready to face this daunting challenge was young Zayd, standing beside the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with a sword in hand. "O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, please grant me permission to fight alongside you against the enemies," he implored. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ patted Zayd on the shoulder and gently moved him aside. The boy felt a pang of sadness and began to sob at the thought of being separated from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Yet Zayd's hope remained unshaken. Prophet Muhammad yearned to be close to the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. So he wanted to be one learning from him believing that age should not restrict knowledge. Driven by this desire, he confided in his mother. With determination, Zayd began to memorize the parts of the Quran that had been revealed. His mother shared his talent with the companions, who brought him to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, saying, "O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, this boy has memorized the Quran beautifully. Prophet Muhammad writes and recites very well. Prophet Muhammad wishes to be with you and the Quran." Prophet Muhammad ﷺ listened him, and was impressed by Zayd’s sharp intellect. Prophet Muhammad instructed, "Zayd, learn the language of the Jews for me." At that time, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used to seek help from the Jewish community to write in Hebrew or translate letters and documents from Hebrew, but he wished to change that. Within just a few days, Zayd learned the language. Soon after, he was tasked with mastering Syriac, the language of the Syrian Christians. Prophet Muhammad became a writer and translator for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in these languages. Ultimately, Zayd grew to be one of the scribes of the Quran. This beautiful tale teaches us about compassion, the importance of nurturing a child's aspirations, and the creative ways to harness their abilities. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified a rare and profound compassion towards the weak and vulnerable. For ten years, Anas ibn Malik served the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, encountering not a trace of impatience or reproach. “Prophet Muhammad never said ‘Uff!’ to me,” Anas recounted, “nor did he question my actions.” Once, sending Anas on a simple task, he discovered the boy had become distracted by the laughter of children at play. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ approached with a beaming smile, holding Anas's collar with a playful gentleness. “O Anas, go where I commanded you.” Beyond personal interactions, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the rights and dignity of those in servitude. Prophet Muhammad reminded his followers that “Your brothers are your helpers,” urging them to care for their servants with the same respect and kindness they would expect for themselves. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ insisted that they should be fed from the same food and clothed in the same garments. Aisha shared that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never struck anyone, neither a woman nor a servant, unless it was for the sake of justice. 

character” This declaration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ serves as a cornerstone of his message. It reveals that the ultimate goal of his mission was not just to teach people to worship, but to guide humanity toward the highest moral and ethical standards. Every teaching, every action, every interaction was meant to inspire and lead people to the perfection of character. His life was a living manifestation of these values, transforming individuals and communities by instilling in them virtues such as kindness, patience, justice, and mercy.