Divine Mercy in the Holy Quran: An Exegesis

of Nokounam (may his sanctity be preserved), Session 1659

Preface

Divine mercy, akin to a crystal-clear brook, flows throughout the verses of the Holy Quran and acts as a light that illuminates the darkness of existence, guiding humanity towards felicity and perfection. This treatise, relying on the Divine revelations, explores the concept of mercy and examines it in its diverse dimensions from its universal inclusiveness to its specific characteristics, from its connection with wisdom and justice to its role in cultivation and the virtuous life. The objective is to elucidate the truth that Divine mercy is an intrinsic and affirmative attribute, manifesting within the realm of benevolence, affection, and purity, while negating any form of violence or deficiency.

Section One: Divine Mercy as a Universal and Affirmative Attribute

Divine mercy, like a boundless sky, encompasses all creatures and, like a breeze caressing the garden of existence, is life-giving and constructive. The Holy Quran introduces mercy as an intrinsic attribute, directly mentioned seventy-nine times, associated with attributes such as forgiveness, guidance, and affection.

Key Point: Divine mercy is an attribute that embraces everything and, unlike punishment which is constrained and limited, operates automatically and universally. This attribute manifests within the sphere of blessings, perfections, and joy, and is distinct from affliction and loss.

وَرَحْمَتِي وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ
(Surah Al-Arf, 7:156)
"And My mercy encompasses all things."

This verse, like a mirror reflecting Divine reality, demonstrates that Divine mercy, contrary to punishment which is restricted by specific Divine will (عَذَابِي أُصِيبُ بِهِ مَنْ أَشَاءُ), knows no limitation. Mercy resides in existence, creation, benevolence, and perfections, resembling a stream that quenches all the cosmos. This attribute embraces not only the believers but all creatures, as indicated in another verse:

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِلْعَالَمِينَ
(Surah Al-Anbiy, 21:107)
"And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds."

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as the manifestation of universal mercy, was sent for the guidance of all humanity. This general mercy even includes disbelievers and polytheists, whereas specific mercy, as stated in وَيَخْتَصُّ بِرَحْمَتِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:105), is reserved for the believers and the righteous.

Divine mercy is an inherent attribute that illuminates all existence like a radiant sun. Its universal inclusiveness prevents adherence to Satan and guides humanity towards blessings and perfections. The distinction between mercy and punishment lies in mercys automatic and all-encompassing nature, whereas punishment is restricted by specific Divine will.

Section Two: Mercy in Connection with Wisdom and Justice

Divine mercy, like a profound ocean, is intertwined with wisdom and justice. This attribute not only prevents human misguidance but, within the realms of cultivation and discipline, aims at guidance.

Key Point: Divine mercy is constrained by wisdom and justice to prevent transgression. Alongside Divine grace, it deters humans from following Satan and guides them towards purification and sanctity.

وَلَوْلَا فَضْلُ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَتُهُ لَتَبِعْتُمُ الشَّيْطَانَ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا
(Surah An-Nis, 4:83)
"And if not for the favour of Allah upon you and His mercy, you would have followed Satan, except for a few."

This verse, like a shining torch, reveals that Divine mercy, accompanied by grace, rescues humanity from Satans snare. The few who are safe from misguidance are the perfect saints who inherently dwell within the realm of perfection. Mercy, in this sense, acts as a shield preserving humanity from error. Nonetheless, mercy is limited by wisdom and justice to prevent rebellion, as another verse states:

وَلَوْ رَحِمْنَاهُمْ وَكَشَفْنَا مَا بِهِمْ مِنْ ضُرٍّ لَلَجُّوا فِي طُغْيَانِهِمْ
(Surah Al-Muminn, 23:75)
"And if We had mercy upon them and removed what harm was in them, they would persist in rebellion."

Mercy here resembles a wise physician prescribing medicine in due measure and wisdom to restrain the patient from transgression.

Divine mercy, in conjunction with wisdom and justice, functions as a current guiding humanity from misguidance towards guidance. Within the context of discipline and cultivation, its aim is guidance, preventing rebellion and deviation.

Section Three: Mercy and Cultivation

Divine mercy, like fertile soil, forms the foundation for sound and wholesome cultivation. A society that moves on the axis of Quranic education inevitably reaches mercy and compassion.

Key Point: Sound and wholesome cultivation is like a seed sown in the soil of Divine mercy, guiding society towards virtuous life and mercy. Lack of cultivation and violence hinder the realisation of mercy.

رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
(Surah Al-Isr, 17:24)
"My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small."

This verse, like a flower blossoming in the garden of cultivation, shows that righteous upbringing is the prelude to Divine mercy. A child nurtured in the lap of parental affection and cultivation prays for mercy upon them. Another verse states:

هَٰذَا كِتَابٌ أَنْزَلْنَاهُ مُبَارَكٌ فَاتَّبِعُوهُ وَاتَّقُوا لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
(Surah Al-Anm, 6:155)
"This is a blessed Book which We have revealed; so follow it and fear Allah that you may receive mercy."

Adherence to the Holy Quran and piety, like two wings, enable humanity to soar towards Divine mercy. Societies that deviate from this cultivation descend into discord and tyranny, for these do not lead to mercy.

Divine mercy, within the context of righteous cultivation, acts like a light guiding society towards virtuous life. Quranic cultivation, emphasising piety and adherence, paves the path to mercy and avoidance of conflict and degradation.

Section Four: Mercy and the Rejection of Violence

Divine mercy, like a gentle breeze, negates all forms of violence and harshness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as the embodiment of mercy, exhibited compassion and leniency even in the battlefield.

Key Point: Violence and harshness stem from lack of cultivation and influence of alien cultures, not from the essence of religion. Divine mercy, by promoting gentleness, patience, and temperance, creates a peaceful and merciful society.

وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِلْعَالَمِينَ
(Surah Al-Anbiy, 21:107)
"And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds."

This verse, like a shining star, introduces the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the manifestation of universal mercy. Another verse confirms this reality:

لَوْ كُنْتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لَانْفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ
(Surah l Imrn, 3:159)
"If you had been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have dispersed from about you."

The Prophets gentleness and compassion, like a pure stream, attracted hearts towards him. Social violences, from disputes to tyranny, result from the influence of foreign cultures and lack of cultivation, not the nature of religion.

Divine mercy, by repudiating violence and promoting gentleness and patience, fosters a society where affection and purity prevail. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as the embodiment of this mercy, is a model for avoiding harshness and encouraging compassion.

Section Five: Mercy Opposed to Affliction and Harm

Divine mercy, like a blossoming flower, stands in opposition to affliction and harm. Affliction is the result of wrongful human actions and cannot be considered mercy.

Key Point: Divine mercy is an affirmative attribute accompanied by blessings, joy, and wellbeing. Affliction and harm stem from human deeds and do not belong within the realm of mercy.

إِنْ أَرَادَنِيَ اللَّهُ بِضُرٍّ هَلْ هُنَّ مُمْسِكَاتُ ضُرِّهِ أَوْ أَرَادَنِي بِرَحْمَةٍ هَلْ هُنَّ مُمْسِكَاتُ رَحْمَتِهِ
(Surah Zumar, 39:38)
"If Allah intends harm for me, can they withhold His harm? Or if He intends mercy for me, can they withhold His mercy?"

This verse draws a clear line between mercy and harm. Mercy is not restrainable and flows unimpeded like a stream:

مَا يَفْتَحِ اللَّهُ لِلنَّاسِ مِنْ رَحْمَةٍ فَلَا مُمْسِكَ لَهَا
(Surah Fir, 35:2)
"Whatever mercy Allah opens for mankind, none can withhold it."

Affliction, like a dark shadow, results from human actions and cannot be regarded as mercy, even if it occurs within the context of cultivation.

Divine mercy is an affirmative attribute accompanied by blessings and perfections. Affliction and harm are consequences of wrongful human deeds and stand in opposition to mercy. Mercy acts like a light that dispels the darkness of affliction.

Section Six: Mercy and the Virtuous Life

Divine mercy, like a seed in the hearts of believers, nurtures the virtuous life and establishes a merciful society.

Key Point: A merciful society is one that attains the virtuous life through piety, patience, and reform. Mercy in the hearts of believers fosters compassion and affection.

وَجَعَلْنَا فِي قُلُوبِ الَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُ رَأْفَةً وَرَحْمَةً
(Surah Al-add, 57:27)
"And We placed compassion and mercy in the hearts of those who followed him [Jesus]."

This verse, like a flower in the garden of faith, shows that mercy and compassion take root in the hearts of believers. Another verse states:

لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ
(Surah Al-Anm, 6:155)
"That you might receive mercy."

Righteous deeds, like clear water, refresh hearts and lead towards Divine mercy.