Morality & Ethics (Akhlaq)

Mercy and Compassion (Raḥmah)

Mercy and Compassion (Raḥmah) in Islam

Introduction

At the heart of Islam lies a beautiful message of mercy and compassion—known as Raḥmah. This isn't just a nice idea; it’s the very soul of Islam, shaping how Muslims understand God, how they treat others, and how they live daily life. In fact, the Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasize mercy as the most essential quality of the Islamic faith.

But what exactly is Raḥmah? Why is mercy so deeply important to Muslims? And what makes Islam’s perspective on compassion truly unique?

This article will answer these questions clearly and simply, exploring:

Whether you’re Muslim, exploring Islam, or simply curious about how compassion can transform lives, this journey into the heart of Raḥmah promises to inspire, educate, and uplift you.

What is Raḥmah (Mercy) in Islam?

The Arabic word raḥmah means mercy, compassion, or kindness. It comes from the same root as raḥim, meaning womb, hinting at the gentle, protective love a mother has for her child . This root connection shows that the purest, most selfless form of mercy is like a mother’s care. In Islam, mercy is not just an emotion; it’s an active care and concern for others’ well-being.

Two of God’s most important names in Islam – Ar-Raḥmān (The Entirely Merciful) and Ar-Raḥīm (The Especially Merciful) – come from this same root . Ar-Raḥmān is understood to describe Allah’s boundless mercy to all creatures, while Ar-Raḥīm refers to His special mercy toward believers . Muslims begin almost every action or chapter of the Qur’an with the phrase “Bismillāh ir-Raḥmān ir-Raḥīm,” meaning “In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.” This reminds us that mercy is at the heart of everything. In fact, 113 out of 114 chapters of the Qur’an start with this phrase, showing how central compassion is in Islam .

Islam teaches that Allah’s mercy is immense and all-encompassing. The Qur’an uses the terms for mercy hundreds of times (one scholar counted 339 times) – far more than any concept of wrath . Muslims believe Allah’s mercy touches every aspect of life: it’s in the air we breathe, the rain that falls, and the guidance He sends. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Allah is more merciful to His servants than a mother is to her child.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5999) This means God cares for us even more tenderly than we can imagine a loving parent would.

Raḥmah is so important that the Prophet ﷺ taught his followers to show mercy to everyone – young or old, friend or stranger. He explained that a true Muslim’s heart should be filled with compassion. In the sections below, we will see direct quotes from the Qur’an and hadith that demonstrate this beautiful concept.

Mercy in the Qur’an

The Qur’an is filled with verses about Allah’s mercy and the importance of compassion. Below are some key Qur’anic verses (in English translation) that highlight mercy and kindness. Each verse is given as a quote with its reference:

Qur’an 1:1 (Al-Fātiḥah): “In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.”
This is the opening verse of the Qur’an, showing that every chapter begins with God’s attributes of infinite mercy and compassion.

Qur’an 7:156: “...[But] My mercy encompasses everything. I will ordain My mercy for those who shun evil, pay alms-tax, and believe in Our revelations.”
(Allah declares that His mercy covers all things, but He grants it especially to the righteous.)

Qur’an 6:54: “...Your Lord has taken upon Himself to be Merciful. Whoever among you commits evil ignorantly, then repents and mends their ways, Allah is truly All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
(Allah “decreed mercy upon Himself,” meaning He has promised to be merciful to those who turn back to Him.)

Qur’an 21:107: “We have sent you [O Prophet] only as a mercy for the whole world.”
(Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was sent as a mercy to all creation – his message and character benefit everyone.)

Qur’an 9:128: “There certainly has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. He is concerned by your suffering, anxious for your well-being, and gracious and merciful to the believers.”
(The Prophet cares deeply about people and is full of kindness, especially toward those who believe.)

Qur’an 39:53: “O My servants who have exceeded the limits against themselves! Do not lose hope in Allah’s mercy. For Allah certainly forgives all sins. He is indeed the All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
(No matter what mistakes we’ve made, we should never despair of God’s compassion and forgiveness.)

Qur’an 30:21: “And of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you affection and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.”
(Even human love – like between husband and wife – is seen as a gift of mercy from God.)

These are just a few examples. The Qur’an also describes itself as “a healing and a mercy” for believers, and says that God’s mercy overpowers His wrath . In Islam, mercy is a core value. It’s not a secondary idea or “nice to have” – it’s central to how Allah deals with creation and how He asks believers to behave.

Mercy in the Prophet’s Teachings (Hadith)

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ demonstrated mercy throughout his life and taught his followers to be compassionate. His sayings (hadith) are full of advice about kindness, forgiveness, and gentle behavior. Below are authentic hadiths related to mercy, each in a quote block:

Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari): The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully (by Allah).” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5997)
(If we want God’s mercy, we must show mercy to people.)

Hadith (Tirmidhi/Abu Dawud): “The Merciful One (Allah) shows mercy to those who are merciful [to others]. So show mercy to whatever is on Earth, then He who is in heaven will show mercy to you.”
(If we are kind to all creatures on earth, Allah will be kind to us. This is often called the “Hadith of Mercy.”)

Hadith (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad – Imam Bukhari’s collection): The Prophet ﷺ said, “Allah is compassionate and loves compassion.” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 466)
(God Himself is compassionate and He loves to see us practice compassion in all matters.)

Hadith (Jami’ at-Tirmidhi): “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our elders.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1919)
(Being kind to children and caring toward the elderly are not just nice deeds – they are required traits of the Muslim community.)

Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari): “May Allah’s mercy be on him who is lenient in his buying, selling, and in demanding back his money.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 2076)
(This prayer of the Prophet shows approval for those who are fair and kind in business dealings – not harsh or greedy. Mercy isn’t only for personal relationships, but even in trade!)

Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari): “Allah divided mercy into one hundred parts; He kept ninety-nine parts with Himself and sent down one part to Earth. Through this one part, creatures are merciful to one another – such that even an animal lifts its hoof to avoid hurting its young.” (Riyad as-Salihin 420)
(This beautiful metaphor teaches that all the kindness we see in the world is just a fraction of Allah’s entire mercy. The gentleness of a mother animal toward its baby, or any love in this world, comes from that one portion of divine mercy. The other 99 portions are with Allah – indicating His mercy is beyond imagination, and He will use it to benefit believers in the hereafter.)

Hadith (Sahih al-Bukhari): The Prophet saw a woman nursing her infant among some captives and said to his companions, “Do you think this woman would ever throw her child into a fire?” They said, “Never, not if she could help it.” The Prophet then said, “Allah is more merciful to His servants than this mother is to her child.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5999)
(No love on earth compares to God’s love and mercy for people – it exceeds even a mother’s love for her baby.)

Hadith (Bukhari & Muslim): The Prophet ﷺ said, “The believers, in their mutual friendship, mercy, and affection, are like one body: if any part of it is in pain, the rest of the body also suffers in sleeplessness and fever.”
(He used this example to show that Muslims should be compassionate and caring toward one another. If one person is hurt or in need, everyone should feel it and try to help, just like a body reacts to heal an injured part.)

As these hadiths show, the Prophet’s teachings consistently encourage Muslims to be merciful in all aspects of life. He taught that kindness to people, gentleness to animals, fairness in business, and caring for the young and old are all beloved in the eyes of Allah. In Islam, being merciful is a sign of faith – and cruelty or hard-heartedness is looked down upon. The Prophet ﷺ even said, “Allah will not show mercy to someone who does not show mercy to others.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 5997) Mercy is truly the “prophetic way.”

Mercy in Historical Context

Understanding the historical context of Islam can help us appreciate how revolutionary this emphasis on mercy was. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ began preaching Islam in 7th-century Arabia, a society that could be very harsh. Before Islam, many tribes engaged in constant feuds and wars. The powerful often abused the weak, and practices like burying infant daughters alive (out of shame or poverty) sadly existed. Forgiveness was seen as weakness, and mercy to enemies was very rare.

Islam changed this landscape. The Qur’an strongly condemned cruelty and injustice. For example, it scolded those who buried baby girls and affirmed the sanctity of life. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, through his own behavior, showed a different way – a way of compassion even in a tough environment. He ended the cycle of vengeance by forgiving his enemies on many occasions. One famous example is the Conquest of Mecca: when he returned to Mecca with a large following, the people who once persecuted him feared retaliation. Instead, the Prophet forgave them almost all, declaring, “No blame upon you today. Go, for you are free.” This act of collective pardon was almost unheard of at that time. His merciful leadership healed old wounds and won hearts.

Another powerful example is how the Prophet ﷺ dealt with the people of Ṭā’if, a town that had rejected him. When he first went to Ṭā’if to invite them to Islam, its people mocked him and even attacked him by throwing stones. He left the city injured and heartbroken. At that moment, the Angel Gabriel came to the Prophet with the Angel of the Mountains. The angel told him that if he wished, Allah had given permission to crush the town between two mountains for their cruelty. Despite his pain, the Prophet replied no. Instead, he said, “I hope that Allah will bring forth from their descendants people who will worship Him alone.” He chose mercy over revenge, praying that those people (or their children) would one day see the truth. Indeed, within a few years, many people of Ṭā’if did embrace Islam. This story shows the Prophet’s incredible patience and compassion even when he was severely wronged. It’s often cited as an example of mercy being stronger than anger.

Early Muslims took these lessons to heart. Historical records describe how kindly Muslim armies were instructed to treat war captives, how Caliph Umar suspended punishment during a drought (because stealing out of hunger was treated with mercy), and how communities under Muslim rule (including non-Muslims) often remarked on the comparatively compassionate laws. Of course, like any community, Muslims had individuals who faltered, but the ideals were clear. A famous saying of Caliph Abu Bakr to his armies was: “Do not kill women, children, or the elderly; do not destroy crops or animals.” Such rules, based on the Prophet’s teachings, were very advanced for their time and aimed at minimizing harm even in conflict.

In short, Islam arrived in a society with many injustices and infused it with a spirit of mercy – for family, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies. This does not mean Muslims were never firm or that justice was ignored (justice is another important Islamic value), but even justice was tempered with compassion whenever possible.

What Scholars Say (Classical and Contemporary Commentary)

scholars throughout history have consistently taught that mercy is a fundamental aspect of Islam. There is no disagreement among the major schools of thought (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali) on that fact – they all root their interpretations of Islamic law and theology in the Qur’an and sunnah, which emphasize mercy. However, scholars might express this idea in different ways or apply it to different situations. Here are a few insights from classical and contemporary scholars:

In summary, classical commentary reinforces that mercy is a defining trait of Islam, and all schools of thought strive to reflect that mercy in their rulings. Contemporary scholars, building on that rich tradition, continue to teach that if we lose mercy, we lose the spirit of our religion. There is remarkable unity on this point: whether Hanafi or Hanbali, past or present, scholars say raḥmah must guide a Muslim’s understanding and practice of Islam.

Islam’s Perspective on Mercy vs. Other Views

From a theological and philosophical standpoint, Islam’s perspective on mercy has some unique strengths. Here are a few arguments showing how Islam’s view of mercy is superior or more balanced compared to some alternatives:

In summary, Islam’s view of mercy is deeply appealing: God is supremely merciful, and He wants humanity to be merciful too – to ourselves, to each other, and to all living beings. This vision creates a society where laws are just but compassionate, individuals value empathy, and no one is beyond hope of forgiveness. It stands out compared to worldviews that might be too harsh or, conversely, too lenient without justice. One Islamic scholar, Asghar Ali Engineer, wrote that “Compassion represents the true spirit of Islam and is far more vital to Islamic teachings than anything else (except the basics of faith).” When properly understood, Islam’s mercy-centric perspective fosters a healthier, more humane world than one would have otherwise.

Miracles and Stories of Mercy

There are several remarkable stories and miracles in Islamic tradition that highlight mercy and compassion. These stories are not only spiritually uplifting, but they also reinforce the idea that mercy can lead to wondrous outcomes. Here are a couple of well-known examples:

These examples show that mercy in Islam is not just a theory – it’s something that has been experienced. When Muslims talk about the Prophet as a mercy to the worlds, these stories give a glimpse of what that means: his presence was healing, nurturing, and life-giving in a very real sense. They inspire Muslims to emulate that mercy. We might not perform miracles, but we can do small acts of kindness that have a ripple effect of goodness. As the Prophet ﷺ said, “Every act of kindness is charity,” and Allah may work subtle “miracles” through our compassion – such as turning an enemy into a friend, or making a hard heart soft.

Living Mercy: How Muslims Should Practice Raḥmah Daily

After learning all of this, one big question remains: How can we embody mercy and compassion in our daily lives? Islam is not just about belief; it’s about action and character. Here are some practical ways Muslims (and honestly, anyone) can practice raḥmah every day, following Islamic teachings:

  1. Be Kind and Gentle in Personal Interactions: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was never rude or harsh, even to those who argued with him. We should speak politely and avoid hurting others with our words. Simple habits like saying “Assalamu alaikum” (peace be upon you) with a smile, thanking people, and speaking softly can show mercy. The Prophet said “The best among you are those with the best manners.” Good manners in Islam are rooted in compassion – like listening when someone is upset, forgiving mistakes, and not embarrassing others. If a friend or family member is angry, responding with calm and gentleness can often diffuse the situation and is rewarded by Allah (there’s a hadith that “Allah is gentle and loves gentleness in all matters” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 466).

  2. Forgive Others’ Faults: People are not perfect – friends may let us down, relatives may say something hurtful. Islam strongly encourages forgiveness. The Qur’an praises those who “hold in their anger and pardon people” (3:134). When we forgive, we ourselves feel more at peace, and we invite Allah’s forgiveness for our own sins. The Prophet ﷺ forgave the people of Mecca who had persecuted him, setting the example. Of course, in cases of serious oppression one may seek justice, but even then Islam says not to go to extremes and to forgive if the wrongdoer sincerely repents. On a daily level, showing mercy might mean giving someone a second chance, or assuming the best (“maybe he didn’t mean it that way”), rather than seeking revenge or holding grudges.

  3. Help Those in Need (Humans or Animals): Mercy isn’t just a feeling – it’s action. Islam teaches that feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, taking care of orphans and the poor are among the most beloved deeds. Even a smile can be charity. We should be quick to offer help: maybe a classmate struggling with homework, a neighbor who is elderly and could use assistance with groceries, or donating to relief efforts for disaster victims. All these are examples of rahmah. The Prophet ﷺ said “Give charity even with half a date (fruit)”, meaning no act is too small. Also, being merciful to animals (feeding birds, not overloading a donkey, rescuing a trapped cat) are all seen as acts of mercy that please Allah. Remember the story of the man who earned Paradise by giving water to a thirsty dog – small act, huge reward.

  4. Be Merciful as Parents, Children, Spouses, and Neighbors: In every role, mercy should shine. The Prophet ﷺ was extremely loving toward children – he played with them and kissed them, and even shortened prayers if he heard a baby crying so the mother could tend to it (Sahih al-Bukhari 5997). He said those who don’t show affection to kids are not from his true followers (Sahih al-Bukhari 5997). For those of us who are parents or older siblings, this means raising kids with kindness, not with constant anger or severe punishment. As children, it means being patient with our parents and respecting them (the Qur’an tells us to show mercy to parents especially when they reach old age). Between spouses, the Qur’an says to live with love and mercy . That means husbands and wives should be gentle, forgiving, and caring to one another – basically treat your spouse how you’d like to be treated, with grace for their faults. As neighbors, Islam teaches that we should look out for each other. The Prophet once said “He is not a true believer whose stomach is full while his neighbor goes hungry.” Mercy here means sharing food, checking in on neighbors, and living peacefully with them. If we all did this, our neighborhoods would feel like supportive communities rather than random strangers.

  5. Avoid Cruelty and Harshness in All Forms: It might sound obvious, but it’s easy to slip up. Islam warns against things like backbiting (gossiping behind someone’s back), bullying, and abusing power. These are the opposite of mercy. So practicing rahmah might mean speaking up when others are bullied, or consciously deciding not to spread gossip because it can damage someone’s reputation (an unmerciful thing to do). It also means controlling our tempers. If we feel like yelling or hitting someone out of anger, we should remember the Prophet’s advice that “the strong person is not the one who can wrestle well, but the one who can control themselves when angry.” Mercy in those moments might mean walking away until we calm down, rather than saying hurtful things we’ll regret. Additionally, in any position of authority – whether as a teacher, a team leader, or a supervisor at work – a Muslim is encouraged to be lenient. The Prophet said, “O Allah, whoever has authority over any matter of my people and is gentle with them, be gentle with him; and whoever is harsh with them, be harsh with him.” This teaching strongly discourages tyranny at any level. If you’re a school captain or a project manager, you win Allah’s favor by being compassionate, not by being a tyrant.

  6. Remember Allah’s Mercy and Pray for It: To stay merciful, it helps to stay mindful of God. Muslims are encouraged to often invoke Allah’s mercy – for example, saying “Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim” before actions, reciting prayers like “Ya Allah, have mercy on me and on others.” This keeps the heart soft. When we continuously remember how much we depend on Allah’s compassion (in each breath, each success, for forgiveness of our sins, for entry into Paradise), it naturally makes us humble and more willing to show compassion. In our daily prayers, at least 17 times we say “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil-‘alameen, Ar-Rahmanir-Raheem” (All praise is due to God...the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate). A practical tip is to pause and reflect on those words in prayer – let it remind you to be merciful in your dealings that day. We should also pray for a kind heart. The Prophet used to say, “O Allah, soften my heart and make me among Your righteous servants.” Such prayers are answered by opportunities to show mercy.

In essence, to “embody mercy” means making kindness a habit. It means looking at others – whether family, friends, or even strangers – with an eye of empathy. A merciful person asks, “How would I feel in that situation?” and “How can I ease this person’s difficulty or share in their joy?” We won’t always be perfect, but Islam teaches that even small acts of mercy count big with Allah. And society at large benefits too: families are happier, communities are safer, and even conflicts can sometimes resolve when people act with compassion.

One more beautiful hadith to keep in mind: The Prophet ﷺ said, “God is compassionate and loves compassion. He gives (reward) for gentleness what He does not give for harshness.” This means Allah will reward a gentle, merciful approach in ways that being harsh could never achieve. Sometimes when we show mercy, we might fear “Will I be taken advantage of?” or “Am I letting someone off too easy?” – but we should remember that Allah is in control and seeing everything. When we choose the path of raḥmah, we are actually strengthening our society and earning Allah’s pleasure. And often, as many can attest, mercy begets mercy: treat people kindly, and they often become kinder themselves.

Conclusion

Mercy (raḥmah) in Islam isn’t just an abstract idea – it’s a way of life that Muslims are called to follow. From Allah’s attributes, to the Qur’an’s verses, to the Prophet’s example, mercy runs like a golden thread through all of Islamic teaching. Muslims are encouraged to be merciful in all situations: personal, social, and even political. By doing so, they reflect Allah’s names Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim in a small way on earth.

For Muslims, practicing mercy is a form of worship and a path to Paradise. For non-Muslims observing, the Islamic ideal is that a true Muslim is one who brings comfort, not hardship, to others. Unfortunately, Muslims – being human – don’t always live up to these ideals, and instances of cruelty or intolerance grab headlines. But those actions contradict what Islam actually teaches. As we saw, major scholars state unequivocally that anything cruel or unjust cannot be true Islam . The true face of Islam is the parent loving their child, the neighbor offering you food, the volunteer helping refugees, the smile, the charity, the forgiven error – all rooted in raḥmah.

In a world that can often feel cold or angry, the Islamic message of mercy is a healing remedy. It tells us that God cares about us, and we should care about each other. It invites everyone to hope – because no matter how many mistakes we make, Allah’s mercy is greater, as long as we turn back to Him and try to do better. It also challenges everyone to serve – to be sources of mercy in our families and communities.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ famously said: “Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the All-Merciful. Be merciful to those on earth and the One above the heavens will have mercy upon you.” This hadith, often called the “Golden Rule of Mercy,” encapsulates the takeaway: if we want a better world and the mercy of our Creator, we must actively show compassion to all living beings around us.

In conclusion, Muslims should embody mercy in daily life by remembering Allah’s infinite compassion, following the Prophet’s gentle example, and treating everyone – whether family, friend or stranger – with kindness, empathy, and forgiveness. Raḥmah isn’t just something to talk about; it’s something to live. When we live with mercy, we not only fulfill a central part of our faith, but we also make the world more peaceful and beautiful – exactly what Islam intended.

Recommended Books on Mercy and Compassion in Islam ( Perspectives)

For those interested in learning more, here is a list of highly-rated books (by scholars, both classical and modern) that explore mercy and compassion in Islam. These works can provide deeper insights, examples, and guidance: