Quraish Shihab: The mercy of Allah encompasses everything, and His greatest mercy is the message of Islam

 His Excellency Dr. Muhammed Quraish Shihab, member of the Muslim Council of Elders and Indonesia’s former Minister of Religious Affairs has affirmed that Almighty Allah’s mercy encompasses everything, and His greatest mercy for humanity is the message of Islam which was brought by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

During the fourteenth episode of the 'Values of Humanity with the Elders' program which airs on the Muslim Council of Elders' social media channels during the holy month of Ramadan, Shihab indicated that the message that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought was one of comprehensive mercy to all creations. Thus, this verse showed Allah's mercy since it appointed mercy to the messengers of the worlds.

The member of the Muslim Council of Elders added, “Since the Holy Qur'an only alludes to specific aspects of Allah's mercy, such as Paradise, prophecy, the Qur'an, rain, victory, kindness, affection, infallibility, recompense, and answering the call, it is impossible to explain the truth and extent of Allah's mercy and comprehensiveness. Mercy for a person is the tenderness of the heart towards the poor, pushing him to alleviate his misfortune. In Islam, kindness is more than just an emotion; it must be followed by action that leads to the relief and even eradication of the abomination.”

Indonesia’s former Minister of Religious Affairs continued, “The mercy urged by the Islam encompasses both worlds. It covers whatever and whoever the individual deals with, whether a human or an animal, and whatever he deals with or disposes of in any way. This is something mentioned within the Holy Quran as well as noble Prophetic Hadiths.”

Shihab concluded by stating, “One of the reasons for the Prophet's (PBUH) admonition to recite the Basmala at the start of every significant matter is that the reader senses the presence of the Most Gracious, the Most Compassionate. Most Merciful in the sense that God bestows mercy in the worldly life for the believer and the non-believer as well as all his creation. The Merciful in the sense that the Most High bestows His blessings on the hereafter for the obedient believer. Perhaps this matter will make a Muslim experience Allah's mercy and fill their hearts with it, so that it will overflow with mercy for everyone, whether Muslim or infidel, plant or animal. Just as they shall feel a special mercy in the Hereafter, so they shall accept obedience and supplication with good faith in Almighty Allah, in order to highlight such definitions in their daily lives.”

The Muslim Council of Elders’ social media pages will broadcast a total of 5 programs during the holy month of Ramadan which falls in line with the Council’s strategy to employ all avenues to promote the values dialogue, peace and coexistence. Programs include Al-Imam Al-Tayeb, Crescent of Coexistence, With the Elders, Youth Peacemakers and Think About Your Fasting.