Blessing & Mercy Bestowed on Mankind
Rasheed Ahmed Chughtai
The greatest loss for Muslims and humanity at large has been the neglect of the divine responsibility of spreading the true Islamic teachings in their purest and most comprehensive form. The world today is engulfed in crises, moral decay, and socio-political turmoil primarily because it has turned away from divine guidance. The absence of faith-based principles has led to a void filled with injustice, conflict, and confusion. Islam, as a complete way of life, offers solutions that can steer humanity toward justice, peace, and prosperity.
The Holy Qur’an serves as the ultimate source of guidance, illuminating the path for mankind. Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Now has come unto you light from Allah and plain Scripture.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:15)
“(This is) a Scripture which We have revealed unto you (Muhammad—S.A.W) that thereby you may bring forth mankind from darkness unto light, by the permission of their Lord, unto the path of the Mighty, the Owner of Praise.” (Surah Ibrahim 14:1)
The abandonment of divine laws has resulted in widespread corruption and oppression. When justice is absent, societies crumble, and people become directionless. Allah, in His infinite mercy, has provided mankind with His light:
“Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth.” (Surah An-Nur 24:35)
When humanity blinds itself to this divine light, confusion prevails, and moral clarity is lost. It is important to acknowledge that all divine religions stem from the same essential message delivered by various prophets throughout history. The Holy Qur’an reaffirms this unity:
“The messenger believes in that which has been revealed unto him from his Lord and (so do) the believers. Each one believes in Allah and His angels and His Scriptures and His Messengers—We make no distinction between any of His Messengers.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:285)
The Decline of Brotherhood and Rise of Conflicts
Humanity today has disregarded the divine call to brotherhood and unity. Instead, hatred, enmity, and division dominate global affairs. The Qur’an clearly states:
“O mankind! Indeed! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)
However, rather than embracing this principle, human interactions have been shaped by selfish motives, power struggles, and destructive rivalries. Even sacred places and revered personalities are targeted, including our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who came as a mercy to the worlds. The Prophet’s mission was to establish justice and harmony, forbidding extremism and radicalism. He laid down a framework for an ethical, balanced, and compassionate society.
The Prophetic Model: A Mercy to the Worlds
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) introduced a moderation-based approach that eliminated social evils, upheld human dignity, and promoted peace. The Qur’an encapsulates the essence of his mission:
“Indeed, Allah enjoins justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk (one’s relatives) and forbids lewdness and abomination and wickedness. He exhorts you in order that you may take heed.” (Surah An-Nahl 16:90)
The Prophet’s teachings emphasize moral integrity, compassion, and wisdom in leadership. The Qur’an describes the qualities of a righteous person:
“The (faithful) slaves of the Beneficent are they who walk upon the earth modestly, and when the foolish ones address them they answer: Peace.” (Surah Al-Furqan 25:63)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came to eradicate injustice and ignorance, countering all forms of extremism by spreading love and understanding. He strictly prohibited corruption and disorder:
“Would you then, if you were given the command, work corruption in the land and break your ties of kinship?” (Surah Muhammad 47:22)
His teachings provided humanity with a framework for a stable, peaceful, and prosperous society, firmly grounded in divine guidance. He cautioned against the tricks of Satan, who misguides people toward immorality and greed:
“The devil promises you destitution and enjoins on you lewdness.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:268)
The Qur’an: A Timeless Constitution
The Qur’an is a flawless guide that transcends time and place. Unlike man-made laws that are prone to error and revision, divine laws remain immutable and just. Allah affirms:
“Falsehood cannot come at it from before it or from behind it. (It is) a revelation from the Wise, the Owner of Praise.” (Surah Fussilat 41:42)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the living embodiment of the Qur’an. His wife, Lady Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her), beautifully described him:
“His character was the Qur’an.”
His teachings were not mere words; they were actions that demonstrated divine wisdom in practice. He was a role model in every aspect of life—as a leader, a statesman, a husband, a father, and a friend. His character and conduct were unmatched, reflecting divine mercy in the most comprehensive manner.
Compassion in Warfare and Leadership
Even in times of conflict, the Prophet upheld the highest moral standards. He instructed his companions:
“Now you may take off in the name of Allah, by the power of Allah, and according to the teaching of the Prophet of Allah, do not kill the old, or the child, or the woman. Do not go beyond the limit. Reform and do good. Allah loves those who do good.”
When he learned that a child was killed during a battle, he expressed deep sorrow and repeatedly emphasized:
“Never kill an offspring, never kill an offspring, never kill an offspring.”
He also advocated for the humane treatment of prisoners of war. After the Battle of Badr, prisoners were treated with kindness. A prisoner, Abu Aziz bin Umair, later recalled:
“I was placed among the Ansar as a captive, and every time they served meals, they gave me the best food while they themselves ate only dates.”
Even in war, he instructed his followers to protect trees, animals, and infrastructure—a standard of ethics unmatched in history.
The Prophet’s Family and Social Conduct
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the ideal husband and father. He advised:
“The best among you is he who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family.”
He was known for his kindness to children, often playing with them, greeting them warmly, and praying for them. His love and mercy extended to all creation, setting an eternal example for humanity.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The question remains: Where does humanity stand today? The causes of our moral and social failures are many, but the solution lies within our grasp. We must return to the true teachings of Islam, implement them in our lives, and share them with others through wisdom, patience, and exemplary conduct. Only then can we restore justice, peace, and dignity to mankind. Let us uphold our faith with confidence and strive to illuminate the world with divine guidance once again.