Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Islam Is a Religion of Mercy; Prophet Never Made Harshness Method, Even with Enemies

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi: Islam Is a Religion of Mercy; Prophet Never Made Harshness Method, Even with Enemies
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Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Sadiq al-Husseini al-Shirazi has emphasized that Islam is founded on mercy and compassion, and that the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him and his pure family, presented a unique model of humane conduct even toward his opponents and enemies.

In his guidance series “Nibras al-Ma’rifah,” under the title “The Religion of Mercy,” Grand Ayatollah Shirazi said mercy is the central foundation of Islam. He noted that Islam is distinguished by its broad mercy toward all people, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, pointing to the opening phrase of the Holy Quran, “In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful,” which is repeated in most Quranic chapters.

He explained that the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him and his pure family, refrained from killing individuals who, according to the political logic or laws of the time, could have been punished. The Prophet did so to prevent Islam from being portrayed as harsh or vengeful, and to stop hostile propaganda against the Islamic message.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi added that the battles fought by the Prophet were defensive and imposed on him, yet they remained governed by ethics and mercy, including in the treatment of prisoners and enemies. He described this approach as unique in history and said Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, peace be upon him, followed the same path in the wars that were later imposed on him.

He also said historians recorded that the number of people killed in all the Prophet’s battles was limited compared with the scale of the challenges faced by early Islam. This, he said, reflects the humane and merciful nature of the first Islamic state, especially compared with later periods when violence and bloodshed were committed in the name of Islam.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi stressed that many people around the world still do not know the true nature of Islam and its noble principles. He called on Muslims and believers to take responsibility for introducing authentic Islam and presenting the correct biography of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him and his pure family, in order to show the values of mercy, goodness, and compassion that Islam offers to all humanity.