The Comprehensive Mercy

This noble hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes a fundamental principle of Islamic ethics: divine mercy is contingent upon human mercy. As transmitted by Jarir ibn Abdullah al-Bajali in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 370, this teaching emphasizes that Allah's attribute of Mercy (Ar-Rahman) manifests in creation through human conduct.

Scholarly Interpretation

Imam al-Bukhari, compiler of Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, places this narration in his chapter on kindness toward children and all creation, indicating its universal application.

Classical commentators note that "other people" (an-nas) encompasses all humanity - Muslims and non-Muslims, young and old, righteous and sinful. The mercy referenced includes compassion, gentleness, and benevolence in word and deed.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that this hadith establishes a spiritual correspondence: as the servant treats creation, so the Creator treats the servant. This reflects the divine principle: "Show mercy to those on earth, and the One in heaven will show mercy to you."

Practical Applications

This teaching particularly applies to children, who are most deserving of adult mercy through proper upbringing, education, and gentle treatment.

The scholars extend this mercy to animals, neighbors, travelers, and even enemies during conflict, making compassion a comprehensive social obligation.

Al-Qurtubi notes that withholding mercy indicates hardness of heart, which distances one from Allah's mercy. Thus, cultivating mercy becomes essential for spiritual development.