Principles of Islam
26. Mercy of God
~ 76 ~
At all times and in all places, the atmosphere
supplies oxygen free of cost. The trees provide an
abundance of fruits and flowers on a strictly
unilateral basis. God’s provision of rains on such an
enormous scale is a vital system on which human
life rests. But this natural system of rainfall never
sends a bill to man for its services. Even if man
abuses the universe, it does not lose its beneficent
character. This God-given model has to be followed
by man here on earth. The Qur’an puts a question to
people: Do they want a religion other than that
established by God ... although the earth and the
heavens have all submitted to Him. It must be
conceded that the religion of man and the universe
is but one, its greatest features being peace, mercy
and magnanimity.
This culture of
rahmat
approved by God is not
limited only to human beings, but extends also to
the animal world: we must be equally sympathetic
to animals. The hadith gives us many guidelines on
how to look after animals and treat them with
fairness. These are duties laid down by God. One
who is cruel to animals’ risks depriving himself of
God’s mercy.
