Editorial | Friday Special: Merciful Allah!

There is no denial to the fact that the creator of the world is the most merciful and compassionate. The most read Surah, the initial one also, accentuates the mercy of the lord in a most beautiful way. The holy book of Allah is the book of mercy as well as the messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) being an epitome of mercy and compassion.Then those who believe in God, and hold fast to Him,- soon will He admit them to mercy and grace from Himself, and guide them to Himself by a straight way (4:175). In another verse, the lord says, “When the Quran is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that ye may receive Mercy (7:204). Besides these verses, the Holy book is filled with the verses of Allah’s infinite mercy and that He loves to forgive His slaves even if their sins have filled the earth and the skies. Once a Bedouin entered the Prophet’s mosque for the first time. He raised his voice in supplication, “O Allah, forgive me and Muhammad, but don’t forgive anyone else! ”The Prophet smiled at him and remarked gently, “You are limiting something that is vast.”On the flip side, the exalted lord is in full authority to exhibit His wrath and punish His slaves for their sins and transgression. The Quran talks about the severe punishments of Allah and the intensity of His wrath. Whoever disbelieves in Allah after his belief… except for one who is forced [to renounce his religion] while his heart is secure in faith. But those who [willingly] open their breasts to disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allah, and for them is a great punishment (Surah Nahl). In another verse, the lord while mentioning His strength says, “Indeed, the vengeance of your Lord is severe. The great companions of the Prophet would rejoice over the merciful nature of the Almighty yet would tremble with fear of punishment at the same time. A believer should thus  learn to strike a balance between hope and fear. An unshakable hope in Allah’s mercy yet fearful of His wrath and punishment.