Islam Is Mercy for the Entire Universe, Even Animals
Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) two Rak’ah before and two after Zuhr prayers.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 199/1113 – Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)
Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) used to perform two Rak’ah short prayer between the Adhan (call to prayer) and the Iqamah of the dawn (Fajr) prayers.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
In another narration, Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to perform two supererogatory Rak’ah prayers of Fajr and make them so short that I used to think whether he (PBUH) had recited Surat Al-Fatihah (in it) or not. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
In the narration of Muslim, Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: When the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to hear the Adhan (of Fajr prayer), he would perform two supererogatory Rak’ah prayers and would make them short.
Commentary:
“Takhfif” here means that the Prophet (PBUH) used to shorten the standing, recitation, bowing, prostration, etc., in the two Rak’ah of Fajr prayer because soon after performing them, he had to lead the Fajr prayer in which he would prolong his recitation. He would also offer these two Sunnah soon after daybreak or Adhan, which gives an idea of the preparation he made for them. 197/1104 – Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)
Islam is Mercy for the Entire Universe, Even Animals
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Islam teaches us to be merciful to the entire creation, to Muslims and non-Muslims, to friends and enemies, even to the animals. Allah said: We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds. Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107
And Allah said: Then be among those who believed and advised one another to patience and advised one another to mercy. Surah Al-Balad 90:17
Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Merciful. Be merciful to the people of the earth, and the One above the heavens will have mercy upon you. Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 4941, Grade: Sahih
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Once a man suffered from thirst while he was walking on a journey. When he found a well, he climbed down into it and drank from it. Then he came out and saw a dog lolling its tongue from thirst and licking the ground. The man said, ‘This dog has suffered from thirst just as I have.’ So he climbed down into the well, filled his shoe with water, and caught it in his mouth as he climbed up; then he gave the dog a drink. Allah appreciated this deed, and so He forgave him.
It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, is there a reward for charity even for the animals?” He said: In every living being, there is a reward for charity. Source: Sahih Muslim 2244, Grade: Sahih
Being merciful to the creation is the only way we can secure the mercy of Allah for ourselves.
Jareer ibn Abdullah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to the people. Source: Sahih Bukhari 6941, Grade: Sahih
The Prophet applied these teachings all throughout his life. Still, perhaps the most famous example was the forgiveness he showed his enemies after being persecuted by them for twenty-three years.
Al-Qasim ibn Salim reported: When they came to the Ka’bah they were holding onto its door, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: What do you say? What do you think?
They said three times, “We say you are the son of our brother.” He said: I say to you as Joseph said to his brothers: No blame upon you today. Allah will forgive you, and He is the most merciful of the merciful. (12:92)
Abu Yusuf reported: When they had gathered in front of the sacred mosque, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: What do you think I will do with you?
They said, “Only good, O noble brother, son of a noble brother.” He said: Go, you are free.
Source: Sunan Al-Kubra Al-Bayhaqi 17714, Grade: Sahih
This is a defining attribute of Ahl Sunnah wal Jama’ah, the orthodox Muslims. For this reason, Al-Bayhaqi entitled a chapter in his book on manners: Chapter on being merciful to the creation
Ibn Taymiyyah said: The people of the Sunnah and the community follow the Book and the Sunnah, and they obey Allah and His Messenger and follow the truth. They have mercy upon the creation. Source: Majmu’ Al-Fatawa 1/278
Therefore, we should do our best to be merciful to the entire creation, to the Muslims and non-Muslims, to our families and relatives, to friends and strangers, even to the animals.
Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.
by Abu Amina Elias