In continuation of our discussions on the topic “Islamic Clemency and Mercy in Narration”, we shall focus on other related aspects of the topic here.
The further instructions of Prophet (S) clearly indicate Islamic clemency, benevolence and mercy in the battle field. Pay attention:
و ایما رجل من ادنی المسلمین او افضلهم نظر الی احد من المشرکین فهو جار حتی یسمع کلام الله فان تبعکم فاخوکم فی الدین و ان ابی فابلغه مامنه
“When one from the Muslim host, either the highest or the lowest in rank, gives refuge to one of the polytheists, he shall be secure, and he shall be transferred to the rear. The Islamic knowledge, instructions and rulings shall be explained to him gently and patiently. If he converted to Islam, he would be a Muslim like you and would have the same rights Muslims have. If he did not accept Islam or asked for a respite for thinking about the Islamic instructions, he shall be returned to his country safely, and he shall never be annoyed and bothered.”
Of course, it is not easy to follow these instructions. It calls for strong faith and charity. This is the reason why at the end of his lecture, Prophet (S) orders his soldiers to seek help from God for observance of these rules. Does the world claiming for observance of human rights and philanthropic mottos observe any of such rules?
In the conflict between Israel and Palestine, these rules are never observed. Rather, these barbarian and savage felons ruin the houses of Palestinians and burn their farms, and destroy the trees. They show no pity to the small and old men and women. In the meantime, those claiming human rights defend them and accuse us of violence.
Islamic Clemency and other Creatures
Islamic clemency and benevolence include not only all humans (regardless of their religion), but also all creatures and beings. On this basis, there are narrations among Islamic instructions talking about animals’ rights. (1) Hereunder, we refer to one sample for familiarity with the scope of Islamic clemency and affection. Islam’s Prophet Muhammad (S) has enumerated six rights for the beast which shall be observed by their owners:
یبدء بعلفها اذا نزل
“When he reaches a place of rest, first he shall provide water and food for the animal. Then, he may think of his own food.”
و یعرض علیها الماء اذا مر به
“During journey and course, when he finds water, he shall lead the animal there to drink.”
و لا یضرب وجهها فانها تسبح بحمد ربها
“(If he wants the animal to move faster) He shall not lash the animal’s face and head because the animals too glorify God, and it is not right to lash the head and face of animal which glorifies God.” (2)
و لا یقف علی ظهرها الا فی سبیل الله
“He shall not ride on the standing animal unless in the path of God (for instance, in the battlefield, where there is no problem for riding on the standing animal, because there is the possibility of a raid by the enemy).”
و لا یحملها فوق طاقتها
“The animals too have limited power and ability. One shall consider the beast’s ability, and do not make it carry more than what he can.”
و لا یکلفها من المشی الا ما تطیق
“In addition to drafting, the beasts shall be also cared for long journeys and distances, and one shall ride on them as much as their ability and bearing.”
These are subtle instructions which are not observed in the present world, and no one cares about them. Rather, many do not even understand it. However, the merciful religion of Islam takes care of all of these subtle points and bids its followers to observe them. Is such religion the religion of violence?
Dua (invocation) of Muslims for all Human Beings!
Dua and blessings recited in the blessed month of Ramadan after the obligatory daily prayers in all mosques and worship centres throughout the world are another indication of Islamic mercy and benevolence. Thereby, Muslims invoke God for solving the problems of all human beings (not only Muslims). We study hereunder some of these invocations:
اللهم ادخل علی اهل القبور السرور
“O, Allah! Let all the dead be cheerful!”
اللهم اغن کل فقیر
“O Allah! Let all the needy be rich!”
اللهم اشبع کل جائع
“O Allah! Let all the hungry be fed!”
اللهم اکس کل عریان
“O Allah! Let all the naked be clothed!”
اللهم اقض دین کل مدین
“O Allah! Let all the indebted to get their debts paid!”
اللهم فرج عن کل مکروب
“O Allah! Let the affairs of all the worried untangled!”
اللهم رد کل غریب
“O Allah! Let all the expatriates be repatriated!”
اللهم فک کل اسیر
“O Allah! Let all the captives be liberated!”
اللهم اشف کل مریض
“O Allah! Let all the sick people be healed!”
One really enjoys the extensive Islamic mercy and extols Muslims’ charity, because most invocations by Muslims are general and universal and embrace all human beings of any race and mental attitude. Are these interesting and extensive invocations not the signs of Islamic mercy and benevolence? Does any fair and impartial man let himself introduce such a religion as the religion of violence?
NOTES:
_______________________________
1. There are numerous narrations in this regard so in Wasa’il ush-Shi’a, vol. 8, there are more than fifty rules in the chapter “Rules for the Beast”.
2. According to the Holy Qur’an, we believe that the entire world is glorifying the Lord of the World.
