Abstract
Mercy is central to the very identity of Islam, yet this is not
often recognized by theologians and scholars. This paper
will demonstrate that the idea of mercy is important as a
prelude to the understanding of Islam and an interpretation
of its teachings. This important role of mercy is evident in
Islam’s primary sources – the Quran and the Sunnah – and
is not contingent on political, social, or historical contexts.
It is well recognized that the proper comprehension of
Islam hinges on grasping the attributes of God, his divine
message, and the character of his messenger. But what is
often overlooked is that these aspects are fundamentally
rooted in mercy. Islam encourages its followers to cultivate
merciful virtues. It emphasizes that the compassionate
nature of the faith should always precede the understanding
and interpretation of its teachings. As a result, Muslims
are encouraged to nurture a compassionate self, foster
a benevolent mindset and approach, and anchor their
religious obedience in the spirit of mercy. While followers
of Islam are responsible for upholding this ethos, external
observers too should try to view the religion fairly based
upon this recognition of the centrality of mercy.