The Prophet (peace be upon him) was a compassionate man, full of love and understanding. He took an interest in the physical and spiritual problems of his friends, relatives and all those around him, and took all appropriate measures to ensure their health, security and happiness. He took them under his wing, and always bore in mind their lot in the hereafter by encouraging them to remain godly. Allah revealed these features of the Prophet (pbuh), that are an example for all of humanity, in verses:

A Messenger has come to you from among yourselves. Your suffering is distressing to him; he is deeply concerned for you; he is gentle and merciful to the believers. (Surat at-Tawba: 128)

"And take the believers who follow you under your wing." (Surat ash-Shu'ara': 215)

Since the companions of the Prophet (pbuh) took him as a model, they made the appropriate sacrifices as mentioned by Allah in the Qur'an, behaving with empathy and compassion. One verse speaks of the sacrifices the faithful made for the sake of one another:

Those who were already settled in the abode, and in belief, before they came, love those who migrated to them and do not find in their hearts any need for what they have been given and prefer them to themselves even if they themselves are needy. It is the people who are safe-guarded from the avarice of their own selves who are successful. (Surat al-Hashr: 9)

The faithful, who were taught by the Prophet (pbuh), and abided by the verses of the Qur'an, behaved compassionately even towards prisoners of war. Allah mentions this as follows:

They give food, despite their love for it, to the poor and orphans and captives: "We feed you only out of desire for the Face of Allah. We do not want any repayment from you or any thanks. Truly We fear from our Lord a glowering, calamitous Day." (Surat al-Insan: 8-10)

The Prophet (pbuh) reminded his companions to be compassionate, and was the greatest model for them in that regard:

"Those who have mercy will receive the mercy of the Most Merciful. Have mercy on those who are on earth, the One in heavens will have mercy on you."[1] 

"Those who show no mercy will be shown no mercy"[2] 

"I swear by whom my soul is in his hand, you will not enter paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love each other. Do you want me to guide you to something which if you practice, you will love each other? Spread greeting with peace among of you."[3] 

Out of that affection and thoughtfulness he felt towards the faithful, the Prophet (pbuh) asked Allah to forgive their mistakes. Allah's commands to the Prophet (pbuh) on that subject take the following form:

O Prophet! When women who believe come to you pledging allegiance to you on the grounds that they will not associate anything with Allah or steal or fornicate or kill their children or give a false ascription of paternity-making up lies about their bodies-or disobey you in respect of anything right, then accept their pledge and ask forgiveness for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat al-Mumtahana: 12)

Know then that there is no god except Allah and ask forgiveness for your wrongdoing, and for the men and women who believe. Allah knows both your activity and your repose. (Surah Muhammad: 19)

"... If they ask your permission to attend to their own affairs, give permission to any of them you please; and ask Allah's forgiveness for them. Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Surat an-Nur: 62)

In another verse, Allah told the Prophet (pbuh) to pray for the faithful:

... Pray for them. Your prayers bring relief to them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Surat at-Tawba: 103)

As this verse reveals, the Prophet (pbuh)'s prayers brought the faithful peace and tranquility. It must not be forgotten that only Allah gives peace and tranquility to the heart. Allah makes the prayers of His Messenger (pbuh), whom He has appointed as guardian and protector of the faithful, a means whereby they come by comfort and ease. Our Lord's love and compassion, and His protection and mercy for the faithful is most clearly represented in the morality of the Prophet (pbuh).

[1] Tirmidhi Hadith

[2] Sahih Bukhari, Number 91

[3] Sahih Bukhari, Book 8, Number 40

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by Harun Yahya

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Mercy to Mankind