The Mercy and Forgiveness of Allah Almighty on Mankind

[Qassami]

<BIG><BIG>The Mercy and Forgiveness of Allah Almighty on Mankind:</BIG></BIG>

first of all would like to start this beautiful topic about Allah Almighty's Mercy by showing this Saying from our beloved Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him:

Narrated Abu Huraira: "Allah's Apostle said, 'When Allah completed the creation, He wrote in His Book which is with Him on His Throne, 'My Mercy overpowers My Anger.' ' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Beginning of Creation, Volume 4, Book 54, Number 416)"

There are ample Noble Verses from the Noble Quran that talk about Allah Almighty's Mercy and Forgiveness. Let us look at few of them that I selected:

Disbelievers' sins will be all forgiven for them when they embrace Islam: "Say to the Unbelievers, if (now) they desist (from unbelief), their past would be forgiven for them; but if they persist, the punishment of those before them is already (a matter of warning for them). (The Noble Quran, 8:38)"

"The Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all between,- Exalted in Might, able to enforce His Will, forgiving again and again. (The Noble Quran, 38:66)"

If we are sincere, our daily sins are almost always forgiven: "Those who avoid great sins and shameful deeds, only (falling into) small faults,- verily thy Lord is ample in forgiveness. He knows you well when He brings you out of the earth, And when ye are hidden in your mothers' wombs. Therefore justify not yourselves: He knows best who it is that guards against evil. (The Noble Quran, 53:32)"

If you ask Allah Almighty for forgiveness, then He'll forgive you: "If any one does evil or wrongs his own soul but afterwards seeks God's forgiveness, he will find God Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. (The Noble Quran, 4:110)"

If you are grateful to Allah Almighty, then He'll give you more: "And remember! your Lord caused to be declared (publicly): 'If ye are grateful, I will add more (favours) unto you; But if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed.' (The Noble Quran, 14:7)"

Be sure that Allah Almighty is always Willing to forgive all of your sins: "Say: 'O my Servants who Have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah: for Allah forgives all sins for He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (The Noble Quran, 39:53)"

The use of the word "Say" in this Noble Verse means that Allah Almighty wants us to always remind each others by reciting this Noble Verse to those who need it.

Allah Almighty accepts our many sins: "If God were to punish men according to what they deserve, He would not leave on the back of the (earth) a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: when their Term expires, verily God has in His sight all His Servants. (The Noble Quran, 35:45)"

<BIG>Allah Almighty is our friend and He is close and listens: </BIG>

"Your (real) friends are God, His Apostle, and the (fellowship of) believers,- those who establish regular prayers and regular charity, and they bow down humbly (in worship). (The Noble Quran, 5:55)"

"Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to God, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For God did take Abraham for a friend. (The Noble Quran, 4:125)"

Allah Almighty is close and He listens to our prayers: "When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way. (The Noble Quran, 2:186)"

Narrated Anas: "The Prophet said, 'My Lord says, 'If My slave comes nearer to me for a span, I go nearer to him for a cubit; and if he comes nearer to Me for a cubit, I go nearer to him for the span of outstretched arms; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.' ' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, ONENESS, UNIQUENESS OF ALLAH (TAWHEED), Volume 9, Book 93, Number 627)"

<BIG>If you are loved by people, then Allah Almighty loves you: </BIG>

Narrated Abu Huraira: "Allah's Apostle said, 'If Allah loves a person, He calls Gabriel, saying, 'Allah loves so and so, O Gabriel love him' So Gabriel would love him and then would make an announcement in the Heavens: 'Allah has loved so and-so therefore you should love him also.' So all the dwellers of the Heavens would love him, and then he is granted the pleasure of the people on the earth.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, ONENESS, UNIQUENESS OF ALLAH (TAWHEED), Volume 9, Book 93, Number 577)"

Allah Almighty gives rewards more than bad deeds at the Day of Judgement: "If any does good, the reward to him is better than his deed; but if any does evil, the doers of evil are only punished (to the extent) of their deeds. (The Noble Quran, 28:84)"

<BIG>Allah Almighty Loves to record the good deeds only as much as possible: </BIG>

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: "The Great and the Glorious Lord said (to angels): Whenever My bondsman intends to corn it an evil, do not record it against him, but if he actually commits it, then write it as one evil. And when he intends to do good but does not do it, then take it down is one act of goodness, but if he does it, then write down ten good deeds (in his record). (Translation of Sahih Muslim, The Book of Faith (Kitab Al-Iman), Book 001, Number 0233)"

<BIG>We should always pray to Allah Almighty for forgiveness: </BIG>

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr: "Abu Bakr As-Siddiq said to the Prophet "O Allah's Apostle! Teach me an invocation with which I may invoke Allah in my prayers." The Prophet said, "Say: O Allah! I have wronged my soul very much (oppressed myself), and none forgives the sins but You; so please bestow Your Forgiveness upon me. No doubt, You are the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, ONENESS, UNIQUENESS OF ALLAH (TAWHEED), Volume 9, Book 93, Number 485)"

<BIG><BIG>Allah Almighty will not show mercy on those who never show mercy on others:</BIG></BIG>

Let us look at what Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him said:

Narrated Jarir bin 'Abdullah: "Allah's Apostle said, 'Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind.' (Translation of Sahih Bukhari, ONENESS, UNIQUENESS OF ALLAH (TAWHEED), Volume 9, Book 93, Number 473)"

The Muslim needs to always be polite, humble, patient, loving and well mannered when he/she deals with others, whether they were Muslims or non-Muslims. Allah Almighty certainly doesn't love those who are offensive and rude to others:

"Allah forbids you not, With regard to those who Fight you not for (your) Faith Nor drive you out Of your homes, From dealing kindly and justly With them: For Allah loveth Those who are just. (The Noble Quran, 60:8)"

Fe Amanillah

May Allah Almighty makes us among those whom He loves ( Ameen Ya Rabb!)

http://www.missionislam.com

[Pheonix]

Assalaam ALaikum!
jazakallah great post!!

[Arsalan]

Islâm: Religion of Mercy

by Imâm al-Madîna al-Munawarrah 'Alî Abd-ur-Rahmân al-Hudhaifî





All praise is due to Allâh, Lord of the Worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Messenger, his household and companions.

Fear Allâh and be dutiful to Him. Call yourselves to account before you are called to it. Today is the time for good deeds, for death comes after that where there will not be an opportunity to do any work.

“Be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allâh. Then every person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.”

Brethren in faith! In the Year of Conquest which is the8 th year of Hijrah, the Messenger of Allâh entered Makkah with calmness and tranquility, gallantly and victoriously; while reciting the word of Allâh,



“Truth has come and falsehood has vanished. Surely falsehood is ever bound to vanish.” (Al-Isrâ 17 :81)

He entered the Sacred Mosque, took the Key of Kâba from ‘Uthmân bin Talhah and then sat in the mosque. Alî bin Abî Tâlib came to him while he was holding the Keys of Kâba and said, “O Messenger of Allâh! Give us the custody of the Keys of Kâba in addition to the office of water supply. May Allâh bestow peace on you.” The Messenger of Allâh did not answer him, but instead said, “Where is ‘Uthmân bin Talhah?” When he was called for him, he said, “Take your Keys, O ‘Uthmân! For this day is the day of fulfillment of obligations and righteousness.” The Prophet then went out reciting the Word of Allâh,



“Verily, Allâh commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due; and that when you judge between men, you judge with justice.” (An-Nisâ 4 :58)

Allâhu akbar! This great victory over disbelief, oppression and transgressors, did not make the Prophet forget that he was sent with justice and equality. It is by this justice that distinguished this Ummah among other nations.

Allâh says,



“Thus We have made you (true Muslims) a just (and the best) nation.” (Al-Imrân3 :143)

Almighty Allâh enjoins justice and praises the just, and forbids injustice and condemns the unjust in more than 350 verses in His Book.

Fellow Muslims! Justice is the balance on the earth and injustice is nothing but a tool of destruction of all that lives on the earth. The greatest manifestation of injustice on the earth is aggression and oppression and the worst form of oppression is shedding of innocent blood, causing mischief on the land, transgressing and barbaric persecution of the weak at the hand of the strong.

Justice in the glittering contemporary civilization, like its other values, is defined by relativity and applied with double standard by those who are non-Muslims. But in Islâm, justice is an absolute value in which there is no relativity. In Islâm, justice is a quality that should be applied to Muslims and non-Muslims alike; to friend and foe; to peace partner or war opponent.

All this is in accordance with the saying of Allâh,



“And let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice, as witnesses to Allâh, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents or your kin.” (Al-Mâidah 4 :135)

Ibn Kathîr said, “Maintaining justice is required of everybody at all situations.”

This is supported by the saying of Allâh,



“And let not the hatred of some people in (once) stopping you from Al-Masjid Al-Harâm lead you to transgress.” (Al-Mâidah 5 :2)

In this verse, Allâh forbids the Muslim from treating enemies unjustly.

It is here that Islamic orientation for all Muslims worldly manifests throughout their history regardless of wartime or peacetime. Ibn Taymiyyah said, “If the believer overwhelms and becomes victorious, he treats his opponents with justice and kindness and he is conquered, he perseveres and hopes for reward.” Ka‘b bin Zuhayr rendered a poem in front of the Messenger of Allâh in which he said,

They do not over-rejoice when their spears hit the targets; And they do not become sad if they are defeated.

An Arab man was asked about some qualities of the Prophet and he answered, “I saw that when he won he did not become ostentatious and when he was defeated, he did not become sad.” Those who are called freed-men of Quraysh were not called so but for the fact that the Prophet told them at the peak of his victory, after they had expelled him and persecuted his companions, “You can go, for you are freed.”

Brethren in faith! It is in the light of showing the essence of justice and its natural application in these contemporary days that we want to make a comparison between the behaviour of Muslim soldiers in their wars and that of non-Muslim soldiers including the soldiers of modern civilization. This shall be discussed in the light of six times that Palestine has been exposed to wars in the past2 , 000years.

Palestine has been exposed to Persian invasion that burned down the region, killed its ruler and desecrated its holy places. In less than ten years, the Byzantines also invaded the region, defeated the Persians and took revenge on them and the Jew who supported them in a most cruel form. In this case, the Byzantines were not less barbaric than their predecessors.

After about ten years, the Muslims won the city and entered it victoriously. They did not shed any blood, nor looted any property or killed any old man, woman or child. The popular ‘Umâr document was then issued. Whoever reads this document and sees the justice, magnanimity and impartiality that it contained, he would not think that it was between a victorious army and a defeated one.

After some centuries, the crusaders invaded Baitul-Maqdis and conquered its inhabitants who were mostly Muslims. But what were the war manners of these invading warriors? This was summed up in a statement said by the leader of that crusade that their horses were wading through the blood of Muslims. Another European historian narrated the war saying, “The crusaders had invaded the streets of Baitul-Maqdis harvesting souls of men, women, old people and little children until the number of the killed reached 10 ,000.”

In less than a century, the army of Salahuddîn decisively defeated the crusaders in the Battle of Hittîn and the gates of Baitul-Maqdis were opened for the Muslims who entered the city victoriously and gallantly while they demonstrated a high sense of magnanimity, justice and mercy in times of war. The western historians were even forced to admit and praise that.

Then came another calamity and blind barbarity in the second half of the last century when the army of European mandate entered Palestine along with Jewish soldiers. The Jews committed massacres and different forms of barbarism and hostilities, most heinous of which was the famous Deir Yasin massacre and which was described by one of the perpetrators in his words:



“This operation has had great results. The Palestinians had become appalled by the news of what happened in Deir Yasin and started fleeing in terror and none remained of them but only about150 , 000after they had been more than800 ,000.”

This butcher then said, “Had it not been Deir Yasin massacre, Israel would not have come to existence.”

According to the views of modern civilization, this atrocious act did not contradict the concept of justice. That was why this criminal was awarded Nobel Peace Prize.

This comparison between the behaviour of Muslim armies and that of non-believing armies confirmed the assertion of one of the greatest historians of modern civilization, that human history had not seen conquerors more compassionate than Muslims. Thus, the Muslims were always the victims of every aggression and hostility and they have never been known as transgressors even in modern history. In Palestine, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Sudan and other nations, the citizens of those countries were never the aggressors, it was rather the colonialists who claimed to be masters of modern civilization who were aggressors. It is however saddening that these masters of modern civilization were able to exploit the Muslims' forgetfulness, their weak sense of history and lack of understanding the situations and concept of justice in the views of the advocates of the so-called modern civilization. If not so, how could they call the armed resistance against transgressors in some Muslims states resistance movements and suddenly within a twinkle of an eye start labeling these same struggles terrorism that must be uprooted?

Fellow Muslims! Modern civilization drew for itself an industrial and technological shape that is devoid of piety, proper concept of mutual compassion and human justice in the least. It therefore turned to an arrogant and repressive civilization that abandons kind arguments for wars. They made their evil inclinations feared and disregarded the rights of others. They only wanted these colonized lands independent areas where their citizens will serve them and toil in order to make the colonizers happy. That was why the military revolutions were made to succeed by the modern civilization so that most part of the Muslim world would continue to suffer all kinds of political and economical oppressions; a situation that has turned security in most of these lands into a mere mirage.

It is also of no doubt that, the less resurgent the Muslims are, the more they wallow in this mirage.

Allâh says,



"For if they come to know of you, they will stone you (to death or abuse and harm you) or turn you back to their religion; and in that case, you will never be successful!" (Al-Kahf 18:20)

It is because of this, that many aspects of the history of this civilization is red with shed blood of many victims; for it killed nations that wanted freedom and deprived them of means of knowledge, power and growth.

Brethren in faith! Do not be deluded by the slogans of brotherhood, justice and freedom of religion that the modern civilization makes between now and then. They have actually explained these slogans to the whole world except the Muslims; and if there was a need to explain them to Muslims, it has to be on the condition that man relinquishes the honour of being ruler on the earth, with dual purpose of worshipping Allâh and establishing justice on the earth. If there must be more explanation, it should be on the fact that, Islâm should be made to sit on the fence and support whatever they want. But that the religion should support the human rights and command people to enter into the religion of peace entirely, that should not be, because, Islâm according to them, should be kept from the public life as far as possible. As for other religions, nations should be allowed to be established on their names. That is why their civilization welcomes the idol worshippers with heartfelt regards and all pleasures. By your Lord, what kind of civilization is this?!

In view of the above, correct is what the experts in international relations said that, all these behaviours are only based on the concept of national interest or like interrelationship between highway robbers. And the guarantees that the international treaties on justice represent are only implemented if Muslims or Arabs are not involved. But if a Muslim or an Arab country is involved, the matter will be given a different colour. All these unjust activities performed by the so-called modern civilizations cause some wise men among them to warn their people against the consequences of these behaviours. Will the Muslims then understand? It is however of the way of Allâh to let this civilization reap what it has sowed and taste what it reaps for no bird flies and goes up except that it lands at last.

Allâh says,



"And a disaster will not cease to strike those who disbelieved because of their (evil) deeds or it settles close to their homes, until the Promise of Allâh comes to pass. Certainly, Allâh breaks not His Promise." (Ar-Ra'd 13:31)

Brethren in Islâm! The witness to the situation of modern civilization will realize that its perversion in its concept of justice is natural because its very spirit is based on selfishness, aggression, urge for power and a desire to destroy. Nothing testifies to this more than what this civilization has produced of weapons of mass destruction and the amount spent on that that was far more than the whole world's food expenditure. It is also a well-known fact that one of the nations of this civilization has produced weapons that are capable of destroying the whole of the third world and three times its size. Few decades ago, one of these superpowers had thrown truckloads of poisonous gases into the oceans when it saw that it was capable of destroying the whole world six times.

Fellow Muslims! It is enough a surprise that the claimant of this civilization could be so vicious as to possess the weapons that are capable of destroying the whole world. This is sheer arrogance and transgression. What is the sin of the whole world to be threatened of destruction? Are the world wars in which millions of people died not enough lesson from this perverted imagination?

Brethren in Islâm! Our aim is not to deride modern civilization by exposing its evils. The purpose is actually greater than that; for many in different Muslim lands have been influenced by the slogans and glitters of this civilization to the extent that we see of them justifying the injustices and aggressions perpetrated by these so-called civilized nations and they also glorify their double standard in applying the concept of justice. What is required is to acquaint the Muslims with the false concept of justice and let them understand the actual meaning of justice according to this civilization.

This is therefore the responsibility of every sector of the Muslims which they owe to their Lord and that is by correcting the situation through sincere return to Allâh and by introducing the real Islâm in aspects of education. We must also nurture the growing Muslims on Muslims on proper usage of media so that Muslims may stand firm against the waves of fake modern civilization, that truth cannot be overwhelmed and that falsehood cannot be turned to truth because it is backed by a political power, for the atrocities committed by Pharaoh were not turned to virtues because he possessed a power to kill and spare at will.

The criterion for goodness is how closer one is to Allâh. We must also face this deplorable situation and know the hidden motives of our enemies before we are destroyed spiritually, historically and militarily. Though the enemies would want to build their glory on our destruction, that would not be possible, because falsehood never overwhelms the truth and because other predecessors had went through similar situations like our present ones and came out victorious, after they had reformed themselves and genuinely reformed their relationships with their Lord.



"And Allâh has full power ad control over His Affairs, but most of men know not." (Yûsuf 12:21)

Insha Allâh, a time will come when real justice and equality will fill the land as it is filled now with injustice and perversion.



"Let not the free disposal (and affluence) of the disbelievers throughout the land deceive you. A brief enjoyment; then, their ultimate abode is Hell; and worst indeed is that place for rest." (Aal 'Imrân 3 :196-197)

[Arsalan]

Saturday, 30 Jumâda al-Thânî 1426 AH /06 th August 2005 CE


The Way to Allâh's Mercy

by Doctor Abû Anas Muhammed Mûsa Nasr
Translated by Isma'îl alarcon
Source: Al-Asâlah Magazine (No.21 , pg.17 -19) The Prophet (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) once kissed Al-Hasan Ibn ‘Al î (i.e. his grandson) while Al-Aqra’ Ibn Hâbis was in his presence. So Al-Aqra’ said to him: "You kiss your children. I swear by Allâh, I have ten children and I never kissed any one of them!" So the Prophet (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) said: "He who doesn’t show mercy (to others) will not be shown mercy (by Allâh)."

Verily, mercy - in our religion - encompasses this world and the hereafter, as well as mankind, animals, birds, and the surrounding habitats.

Allâh says: "And My mercy encompasses every thing."

Allâh has described Himself with mercy and He has also described His prophets and righteous servants with it. Allâh says: "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allâh (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) and those who are with him are severe against the disbelievers and merciful to one another."

Allâh has made his sending forth of the Prophet (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) as a mercy to all of creation, as He says: "And We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a mercy to the worlds."

The word "worlds" (‘âlamîn) is general and thus includes the world of the humans, the world of the jinn, the world of the animals and the world of the birds, as well as the nations found on land and the nations found on sea.

And indeed Allâh has commanded that mercy be applied to every thing and in every action. So even when you slaughter you sacrificial animal, you show mercy to it by saying Bismillâh and by sharpening your sword (so that it will be a quick and painless death). The Prophet (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) said:


"Verily Allâh has prescribed Ihsân (goodness) for everything. So when you slaughter, then slaughter in a good manner, and when you kill (in war), then kill in a good manner. And let each of you sharpen his blade and let him spare the animal he slaughters from suffering."

And Allâh indeed forgave one prostitute from the Jews who showed mercy to a dog that was dying from thirst. She filled her shoe with water and then taking hold of the dog’s mouth, she gave it the water to drink. So Allâh was thankful to her for what she did and forgave her sins.

And once our Prophet (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) saw one of his Companions grab the baby of a lark, and it began screeching over the heads of the Companions. So he (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) said: "Who bereaved this (lark) of her child? Return her children back to her!"

The more weak and poor a human being is, the more required we are of showing mercy to him. And being gentle with him is what is most incumbent. This is why our Lord has forbidden us from oppressing the orphan. Allâh says: "Therefore, treat not the orphan with oppression. And do not repel the beggar."

The Prophet (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) said: "The person that looks after and supports the widow and the needy one is like the mujâhid (one who makes Jihâd) in the Cause of Allâh."

And he (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) would rub the head of the orphan and say: "I and the guardian of an orphan will be like this in Paradise - and he SAWS gestured with his index and middle finger."

Indeed he (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) commanded us to take care of the children and the women and the elders. Thus, in his last words to his Companions and his nation, he said: "The prayer and what your right hands possess." "Take good care of the women (i.e. wives)." And he (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) said: "The best of you is the best to his wives. And I am the best amongst you with my wives."

Mercy is something innate, which Allâh has placed into the hearts of (all) His creatures, even the lions - the most dangerous of them - for they are merciful to their children. Yet Allâh is more merciful to His creation than a mother is to her child. That is why on the day that He created mercy, He created one hundred parts to it. And He left ninety-nine parts with Him, by which He will show mercy to His servants on the Day of Judgement, and sent down one single part of mercy to earth, which humans and animals share amongst themselves.

The Messenger of Allâh (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) has condemned the person that is void of any mercy and who doesn’t attain a large amount of it. This is why he (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) condemned the one who breaks family ties. He (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) said: "Kinship is connected to the Throne (‘Arsh). It says: ‘Whoever severs me, then break (away from) him. And whoever maintains me, then keep connected to him."

And in one narration:


"Verily, the kinship will be connected to the Throne of the Most Merciful on the Day of Judgement. It will say: ‘This is the place for the one who sought refuge in You from the severing (of family ties).’ So Allâh will say to it: ‘Will it please you that I connect those who maintained you and that I cut off those who severed you?’ And it will say: ‘I will be pleased (with that), my Lord.’"

And he (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) condemned the oppressive leaders who do not show mercy to their people, by saying: "The worst leaders are the cruel oppressive ones (al-hutamah)."

And Allâh has named Himself Ar-Rahmân and Ar-Rahîm, so he is the Most Merciful of this world and the Hereafter (i.e. Ar-Rahmân) and the bestower and giver of mercy (i.e. Rahîm). This is why He has commanded it in every place and in every situation. The Muslim begins his action by saying Bismillâhir-Rahmânir-Rahîm so that Allâh can bless him in his action. So every action that is void of mercy, then there is no blessing in it, nor any good. And the servants of Allâh showing mercy towards one another is a cause for Allâh sending His mercy down on them.

The Prophet (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) said: "The Most Merciful shows mercy to those who have mercy on others. Show mercy to those on earth, and the One above the heaven will show mercy to you."

O Allâh, have mercy on us above the earth and below the earth and on the Day when our deeds will be presented to us. And cause us to be merciful to one another just as the Companions of Your Prophet (sala Allâhu ‘alihi was-Salâm) were. And have mercy on our dead ones and put those who have mercy from amongst Your servants in charge over us O Rahmân O Rahîm!





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