the Lectures of Nokounam, (Session 1661)
The Holy Quran, like a profound and boundless ocean, encompasses knowledge in which every word, like a luminous jewel, guides humanity towards perfection and felicity. Amid this infinite treasury, the attributes of Divine Mercy (Rahmaniyyat) and Compassion (Rahimiyyat) shine like two radiant stars, serving as the axis of human guidance and salvation. This treatise endeavours, through contemplation upon the luminous verses of the Holy Quran and exploration of the meanings of mercy and compassion, to elucidate the manifestations of these Divine attributes in individual, familial, and social conduct. The aim is to clarify the dimensions of these attributes within the Quranic culture with a deep and systematic approach and to offer practical solutions for their embodiment in life. The present discourse, with a cohesive structure, examines relevant verses, analyses concepts, and links them to human life so as to serve as a beacon for seekers of truth.
Divine mercy, akin to an all-encompassing sun, envelops all creatures within the radiance of its boundless grace. This attribute, introduced in the Holy Quran as one of the Greatest Names of God, is manifested not only in the essence of the Lord but also in the behaviour of His special servants, namely the Abad al-Rahman (Servants of the Merciful). The Holy Quran describes these servants thus:
الَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ هَوْنًا
"Those who walk upon the earth humbly." (Surah Al-Furqan, Ayah 63)
This verse, like a clear mirror, portrays the serenity and composure in the conduct of the Servants of the Merciful. These servants, who partake of Divine mercy, move with dignity and gentleness, as though their steps harmonise with the breeze of Divine grace. True authority, in this perspective, lies not in shouting or harshness but in calmness and self-control. A person endowed with inner strength requires no clamour or display; with dignity, he invites others towards the truth.
This characteristic, within the social context, implies the creation of a peaceful environment free from unnecessary tensions. In the Quranic culture, authority accompanies gentleness and politeness, standing opposed to rash and aggressive behaviours originating from weakness in self-discipline. A merciful society is one where individuals, whilst preserving human dignity, abstain from violence and harshness, as if each person is a tree whose fruits are kindness and tranquillity.
One cultural affliction occasionally observed in some Islamic communities is the employment of shouting and clamor in pulpits and religious gatherings. Such behaviour, which instead of fostering tranquility and reason, leads to noise and superficial attraction, is incongruent with the merciful culture of the Holy Quran. The Quran states:
وَإِذَا قُرِئَ الْقُرْآنُ فَاسْتَمِعُوا لَهُ وَأَنْصِتُوا
"And when the Quran is recited, listen to it attentively and remain silent." (Surah Al-Araf, Ayah 204)
This verse, like a heavenly command, emphasises the necessity of silence and concentration during the recitation of the Divine Word. Such silence is a sign of respect for the truth and an effort to comprehend the profound meanings of the Holy Quran. Nevertheless, at times, some pulpits become arenas for artificial excitement and unnecessary shouting, as if the orators seek superficial attention rather than relying on reason and wisdom.
This critique invites a reassessment of methods in religious preaching. Pulpits should be like pure springs of wisdom, conveying Divine knowledge to the audience, rather than deviating from the depth and authenticity of the Divine Word through shouting and noise. Religious knowledge, rooted in the Holy Quran, ought to be presented in a manner that inspires calmness and deep reflection among listeners.
Divine mercy, like a soothing breeze, also flows in familial and social relations. The Holy Quran reiterates in the description of the Servants of the Merciful:
الَّذِينَ يَمْشُونَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ هَوْنًا
"Those who walk upon the earth humbly." (Surah Al-Furqan, Ayah 63)
This verse, like a guiding light, stresses the importance of gentleness and composure in human relations. In a family governed by merciful authority, there is no need for harshness or violence. Parents, like wise gardeners, guide their children with calm and reasoned gestures, not with shouting and coercion. This model leads to the formation of a merciful society wherein relationships are based on respect and love.
In the Quranic culture, the family is like a
