A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
The manifestations of Allah’s mercy are beyond count.
The son of Adam is incapable of even tracking or recording them.
Whether in his own essence and physical constitution,
Or in the honor bestowed upon him and the subjection of all things around him for his benefit,
Or in the countless blessings with which Allah has favored him.
The greatest of these is the mercy of guiding him to the straight path,
And to the upright law of Allah.
The mercies of Allah continue to unfold,
To the extent that they are manifested in what He has withheld from him,
Just as they are manifested in what He has granted him.
For He has only withheld what would harm him rather than benefit him,
And that in itself is a mercy toward him.
Everyone whom Allah has opened to His mercy finds these mercies within himself, his feelings, and his surroundings,
While everyone from whom Allah has withheld His mercy lacks them,
Even if he is drowned in worldly blessings.
For in that state, they become a curse upon him rather than a blessing.
This confirms the words of Allah the Exalted:
[The verse text was not provided in the input, but the context refers to the divine decree].
“That which Allah openeth unto mankind of mercy none can withhold it; and that which He withholdeth none can release thereafter. He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (35:2)
“That which Allah openeth unto mankind of mercy none can withhold it; and that which He withholdeth none can release thereafter. He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (35:2)
And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.
Let the believing servant be conscious of this.
For his awareness of Allah’s mercy toward him is the greatest mercy of all.
His hope for Allah’s mercy and his yearning for it is mercy itself.
His trust in that mercy and his expectation of it in every affair,
Is mercy in its very essence.