Prophet’s Mercy and Concern for Guiding All People
Sahih Bukhari 3231
Narrated `Aisha: That she asked the Prophet (ﷺ) , ‘Have you encountered a day harder than the day of the battle) of Uhud?” The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, “Your tribes have troubled me a lot, and the worse trouble was the trouble on the day of ‘Aqaba when I presented myself to Ibn `Abd-Yalail bin `Abd-Kulal and he did not respond to my demand. So I departed, overwhelmed with excessive sorrow, and proceeded on, and could not relax till I found myself at Qarnath-Tha-alib where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me unexpectedly. I looked up and saw Gabriel in it. He called me saying, ‘Allah has heard your people’s saying to you, and what they have replied back to you, Allah has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you so that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.’ The Angel of the Mountains called and greeted me, and then said, “O Muhammad! Order what you wish. If you like, I will let Al-Akh-Shabain (i.e. two mountains) fall on them.” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “No but I hope that Allah will let them beget children who will worship Allah Alone, and will worship None besides Him.”
Meaning:
This is a hadith about pure mercy, patience, and vision, After being rejected, insulted, and deeply hurt, the Prophet ﷺ was given a divine opportunity to punish those who harmed him. But instead of revenge, he chose hope and compassion. He looked beyond the moment of pain and saw the potential for future guidance.
This hadith shows the heart of a true Prophet – someone who doesn’t seek to destroy his enemies but prays for their children to find the truth.
What We Learn Today:
- Patience in Rejection: When people mock your beliefs or reject you, respond with calm — not anger.
- Mercy Over Revenge: Just because you have the power to hurt doesn’t mean you should use it.
- Long-Term Vision: Don’t judge people by their current state — many enemies can become believers tomorrow.
- Leadership Through Forgiveness: True leaders don’t react to hate with hate, but with hope.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 41:34
Good and evil cannot be equal. Repel evil with what is better, and you will see that the one who was once your enemy will become as close as a devoted friend.
📖Quran 3:159
It is by mercy from Allah that you were gentle with them. Had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would have fled from around you.
📖Quran 16:125
Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and argue with them in the best manner.
📖Quran 5:13
Pardon them and overlook. Indeed, Allah loves those who do good.
📖Quran 28:56
You cannot guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills.