HADITH 01-06: The Mercy and Character of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

By Zayd Haji – Student at ZAD Academy

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

In this lecture from Hadith Semester 1 by Shaykh Dr. Muhammad Salah, we explore the profound mercy and noble character of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as taught through authentic Hadith and Qur’anic verses.

Allah sent Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as a mercy to all humanity. The Qur’an states:

“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], but as a mercy to the worlds.”

(Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107, quran.com/21/107)

This mercy encompassed the weak and strong, friend and foe, rich and poor, even extending to animals and the environment. The Prophet’s ﷺ mercy was a reflection of Allah’s infinite compassion.

Allah describes the Prophet’s character as exemplary:

“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”

(Surah Al-Qalam 68:4, quran.com/68/4)

His life models humility, patience, kindness, and forgiveness. For example, when a child urinated on him, he calmly cleaned himself without anger, showing compassion in every circumstance.

The Prophet’s mercy extended to enemies as well, exemplified in the story of Thumāmah ibn Uthāl, who embraced Islam after witnessing the Muslims’ kindness and tranquility.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah has divided mercy into one hundred parts; and He retained with Him ninety-nine parts, and sent down to earth one part. Through this one part creatures deal with one another with compassion, so much so that an animal lifts its hoof over its young lest it should hurt it". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah has one hundred mercies, out of which He has sent down only one for jinn, mankind, animals and insects, through which they love one another and have compassion for one another; and through it, wild animals care for their young. Allah has retained ninety-nine mercies to deal kindly with His slaves on the Day of Resurrection." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration in Muslim is reported: by Salman Al-Farisi: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah has hundred mercies, out of which one mercy is used by his creation for mutual love and affection. Ninety-nine mercies are kept for the Day of Resurrection."

Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah created one hundred units of mercy on the Day He created the heavens and the earth. Each one of them can contain all that is between the heaven and the earth. Of them, he put one on earth, through which a mother has compassion for her children and animals and birds have compassion for one another. On the Day of Resurrection, He will perfect and complete His Mercy". (That is He will use all the hundred units of mercy for his slaves on that Day).

Riyad as-Salihin 420

https://sunnah.com/riyadussalihin:420

Islam teaches that acts of leadership must lead with compassion and reconciliation rather than dominance.

Conclusion

The Hadith and Qur’an together portray the Prophet whose mercy and character are central to his message. His compassion teaches us to be merciful, forgiving, and patient, embodying the beautiful ethics of Islam.