The Book of Repentance - Sahih Muslim

Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 2751 b

Divine Mercy and Wrath

This sacred tradition (hadith qudsi) reveals the fundamental nature of Allah's attributes, demonstrating that His mercy encompasses all things and precedes His wrath. The excellence of divine mercy over wrath signifies that Allah's compassionate nature is primary and predominant in His dealings with creation.

Scholarly Commentary

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy upon him) explains that this hadith indicates the vastness of Allah's mercy, which embraces everything and precedes His anger. Al-Ghazali notes that this excellence of mercy over wrath should inspire hope in believers and encourage them to turn to Allah in repentance.

The mercy of Allah is not merely equal to His wrath but excels it in quantity, quality, and manifestation. This understanding forms the basis for the doctrine of divine compassion in Islamic theology and provides the theological foundation for the acceptance of repentance.

Practical Implications

This teaching should instill hope in the hearts of sinners and encourage them to seek forgiveness, knowing that Allah's mercy is greater than any sin. It also serves as a reminder for believers to embody mercy in their own conduct, following the divine example.

The excellence of mercy over wrath demonstrates Allah's ultimate wisdom in creation and His desire for His servants' wellbeing in both this world and the hereafter.