Mercy is a manifestation of our Lord's (swt) name "al-Rahman". Mercy is tenderness of the heart and softness of the soul. It is to be compassionate and conscientious. It is to purify hearts from diseases such as hatred, anger and revenge.
It is to adorn hearts with the beauty of love, respect and forgiveness. It is to look at every living being, indeed the whole universe, with the eye of affection.
The most prominent characteristic of our Prophet (saw), who was sent as mercy to the worlds, is his mercy and compassion. [Tawbah, 9/128]
In this regard, our Prophet's (saw) behavior is described in the Holy Qur'an as follows: "It is out of Allah's mercy that you, o Prophet, have been lenient with them. Had you been cruel or hard-hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you..." [Ali 'Imran, 3/159]
The Messenger of Allah (saw) commanded spouses to be merciful and compassionate towards each other by saying, "The best of you is the one who treats his family the best." [Tirmidhi, Manaqib, 63]
He recommended treating the elderly in a good manner, who are opportunities for us to be prayed for and be blessed, by the glad tiding that "If a person honors an elder due to his age, Allah appoints for him one who will honor him at that age." [Tirmidhi, Birr, 75]
Anas (ra), who spent his childhood with our Prophet (saw), describes the Messenger of Allah's (saw) compassion and affection for children as follows: "The Messenger of Allah has never once scolded me or broken my heart. He always called me using heartwarming, loving expressions like 'my child' and 'my son'."[ Bukhari, Adab, 39; Muslim, Adab, 31]
As all other living beings, animals had their share from the Messenger of Allah's (saw) mercy and compassion as well. He (saw) said, "There is a reward for every good deed done to every living creature."[Bukhari, Musaqat, 9]
In Islamic civilization, which is based on the principles introduced to humanity by the Messenger of Mercy, animals are treated with compassion and mercy. Their right to live and shelter in appropriate environments is respected. However, while protecting the rights of animals, the human being, who is a perfect being, should not be harmed.
Animals that threaten human life should not be left unattended on the streets. It is our collective responsibility to take the necessary precautions to safeguard our people, especially our children, from animals at risk of carrying a disease or are violent.
Today, when violence, anger, animosity and hatred invade the hearts, what falls upon us as members of the civilization of mercy is to once again embrace the messages of the Prophet of Mercy (saw).
We should train our hearts in the Messenger of Allah's (saw) school of knowledge and wisdom, who says, "I was only sent as mercy." [Muslim, Birr, 24]
Then, come on! Let us be conscientious and compassionate towards our spouses, children, parents, the elderly, the environment, and all living beings, leaving aside the lack of compassion that has become the greatest disease of our century.
"The merciful are shown mercy by al-Rahman. Be merciful to what is on earth, and you will be shown mercy from Who is above the heavens." [Abu Dawud, Adab, 58]
