Hadith #4315

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "مَنْ تَرَحَّمَ رُحِمَ۔" which translates to

One who shows mercy is shown mercy.

This impactful Hadith emphasizes the importance of displaying mercy and compassion towards others, as it is a quality that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) Himself possesses and encourages in His creation.

The word (tarahhama) "تَرَحَّمَ" in the Hadith is derived from the root word (rahima) "رَحِمَ", which means mercy or compassion. It signifies an act of showing kindness, forgiveness, and empathy towards others. This word conveys the idea of extending mercy not only in words but also in actions, reflecting a genuine concern for the well-being of others.

The concept of mercy is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes Himself as (Ar-Rahman) "الرَّحْمَٰنُ", the Most Merciful, and (Ar-Raheem) "الرَّحِيمُ", the Most Compassionate, highlighting His infinite mercy and compassion towards His creation. In Surah Al-Anfal, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says, (Quran 2:199)

And know that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful

Furthermore, the Quran encourages Muslims to embody the quality of mercy in their interactions with others. In Surah Al-A'raf, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states, (Quran 7:156)

And My Mercy encompasses all things

indicating that Allah's mercy is all-encompassing and extends to every aspect of creation. Muslims are urged to emulate this divine attribute and extend mercy to their fellow human beings.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the reciprocal nature of mercy. When we show mercy and compassion to others, we are not only fulfilling a moral obligation but also inviting the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) upon ourselves. This Hadith serves as a reminder that our actions have consequences, and by displaying mercy, we are creating a positive ripple effect in our own lives and the lives of those around us.

When we show mercy, we create an atmosphere of love, understanding, and forgiveness. This fosters unity and harmony within our communities and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims. It also encourages others to reciprocate the same level of mercy and compassion, creating a cycle of kindness and empathy.

Moreover, displaying mercy can have a transformative effect on individuals and societies. It can lead to the resolution of conflicts, the healing of wounds, and the restoration of broken relationships. By showing mercy, we can inspire others to change their ways, seek forgiveness, and embark on a path of righteousness. The act of mercy has the power to soften hearts, mend broken spirits, and bring about positive change in the lives of both the giver and the receiver.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ),

One who shows mercy is shown mercy,

emphasizes the importance of embodying mercy and compassion in our lives. It reminds us that by displaying mercy towards others, we invite the mercy of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) upon ourselves. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which encourage Muslims to emulate the divine attribute of mercy and extend it to all aspects of their lives. By practicing mercy, we can create a more compassionate and harmonious society, where forgiveness, understanding, and love prevail. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to show mercy and be recipients of His boundless mercy.