Watch: Mercy and kindness through the Prophet's example

Charity and kindness - the spirit of giving

Allah's Mercy

Every chapter of the Quran (except one) begins with: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful."

Allah says about Himself:

"My mercy encompasses all things." — Quran 7:156

The Prophet's Example

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was described in the Quran as a "mercy to all the worlds" (21:107). His kindness extended to:

• Enemies - He forgave those who persecuted him
• Children - He was gentle and playful with them
• Animals - He taught compassion for all creatures
• The poor - He lived among them and helped them

Showing Mercy to Others

"The merciful are shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and the One above the heavens will show mercy to you." — Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment.

Practical Acts of Kindness

1. Smile - It's charity in Islam
2. Speak gently - Even when correcting someone
3. Help the needy - With wealth, time, or skills
4. Be patient with people's faults - No one is perfect
5. Forgive - Let go of grudges
6. Visit the sick - A recommended act of worship
7. Feed the hungry - One of the best deeds
8. Be kind to animals - They have rights too

Kindness to Parents

After worshipping Allah, the Quran commands kindness to parents:

"And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment." — Quran 17:23

Even if parents are non-Muslim, Islam commands kindness to them.

The Smile That Changed a Life

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Your smile in the face of your brother is charity." A simple smile can brighten someone's day and may be the one act of kindness that changes their life.