Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)

Sahih al-Bukhari 7453

Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "When Allah created the creations, He wrote with Him on His Throne: 'My Mercy has preceded My Anger."

Commentary on Divine Mercy

This blessed hadith establishes the fundamental principle that Allah's Mercy encompasses all things and precedes His Anger. The writing upon the Throne signifies the eternal and immutable nature of this divine decree.

Allah's Mercy is not merely an attribute but an active force that precedes creation itself. The precedence mentioned indicates that mercy is Allah's primary disposition toward His creation, while anger is secondary and conditional upon transgression.

Scholarly Insights

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains that this writing occurred before creation, demonstrating Allah's foreknowledge and the primacy of His mercy over wrath.

Al-Qurtubi notes that the phrase "with Him on His Throne" signifies the greatness and majesty of this decree, indicating its permanence and authority.

This hadith provides profound comfort to believers, affirming that no matter how great one's sins, Allah's mercy is vaster and reaches those who repent and seek forgiveness.

Practical Implications

This teaching encourages hope in divine mercy while maintaining fear of divine punishment, creating the balanced state of heart that characterizes true believers.

It reminds Muslims to embody mercy in their dealings with others, as showing mercy to creation is a means of attaining the mercy of the Creator.