Among the aesthetic beauties of the Prophetic biography (Seerah)
is the rooting of mercy.
It is a tenderness of the soul
that compels one to drive goodness toward those it reaches.
This was embodied in the personality of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,
and was recognized in his interactions,
witnessed by everyone who dealt with him.
His religion is mercy,
his character is mercy,
and his message is mercy.
“We sent thee not save as a mercy for the peoples.” (21:107)
He encouraged and commanded us to practice it, both young and old,
in both practice and conduct.
Indeed, he established a great principle
through which he rooted mercy
and anticipated its consequences,
when he said:
"He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy."
The reason for this
was that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him,
kissed al-Hasan ibn 'Ali,
while al-Aqra' ibn Habis
al-Tamimi was sitting with him.
Al-Aqra' said,
"I have ten children,
and I have never kissed any one of them."
The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, looked at him,
then said,
"He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy."
This is general in its application to all forms of mercy,
whether toward children, workers,
women, the poor, or animals.
So, whoever lacks the quality of mercy,
his recompense is that Allah will not show him mercy,
will not open the doors of His blessings to him,
will not fulfill his needs,
and will cause those who are harsh toward him to dominate his life.
The paths of success will be blocked before him,
and there is no power nor strength except by Allah.
Peace.