Treat man and beast with mercy and honesty

Do good, be merciful to people and animals and you will gain Allah’s mercy, worshippers will be told this Friday.

Allah has opened doors of mercy for His believers and there are many ways to earn that mercy in this life and the hereafter.

As a hadith by Prophet Mohammed says: “Allah divided Mercy into one hundred parts. He kept ninety-nine parts with Him and sent down one part to the Earth, and because of that one single part, His Creations are merciful to each other, so that even the mare lifts up its hoofs away from its baby animal, lest it should trample on it.”

The Prophet also said Allah is more merciful towards His creations than a breastfeeding mother is to her child, the sermon will say.

“Please also know that to attain the mercy of Allah the Almighty, one should possess certain qualities and perform righteous deeds,” worshippers will hear.

Listening attentively to readings of the Quran and reflecting upon its meaning is also key to earning that mercy, as a verse from the book reads: “So when the Quran is recited, then listen to it and pay attention that you may receive mercy.”

“And this is a Book We have revealed [which is] blessed, so follow it and fear Allah that you may receive mercy,” says another verse.

Therefore, those who turn to Allah and who “hold fast to His rope and rely on Him will certainly attain His mercy”.

As the Prophet Mohammed said: “Be merciful towards those who are in the Earth, and you will be shown mercy from Who is above the heavens.”

One should be merciful towards himself and his parents.

The Quran says about parents: “and lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small’.”

Mercy should extend to the entire family.

Likewise, an employee should be honest in his work, a merchant should be trustworthy in his trading affairs.

“May Allah’s mercy be on him who is lenient in his buying, selling and in demanding back his money,” Prophet Mohammed said.

“In fact, mercy should be a key character of the Muslim in treating all the creatures and organisms in this world, including plants, animals and birds,” worshippers will hear.