What is the meaning of the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): “I was only sent as a mercy to the worlds”? And is it permissible, based on this hadith, to say that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is merciful or noble?
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The questioner : Your Eminence, what is the meaning of the words of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) when he said: ? And is it permissible, based on this statement, to say that Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is merciful, or noble, or all-knowing, or wise, or any of the other attributes of Allah (Mighty and Majestic)? Please inform us of what Allah has taught you, and may Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : As for describing the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as compassionate and merciful, this has come in the Noble Qur'an, but it is restricted to the believers. Allah (Mighty and Majestic) said:[At-Tawbah 9:128].
As for his being a mercy, Allah the Exalted said:[Al-Anbya 21:107] But the meaning of the verse is not that he is the mercy itself; rather, its meaning is that Allah showed mercy to creation through him. That is to say, We did not send you except to show mercy to creation through you. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) is the one who guides to Allah (Mighty and Majestic), who clarifies His Shari'ah, and who calls to it. Thus, his sending and his mission were a mercy to the worlds in this life and the Hereafter.
And as for the sayingThe questioner : And other than that, regarding the attributes of Allah and the names of Allah?
We do not say that, because among the names and attributes of Allah are some that are specific to Him (Glorified and Exalted is He), such as Allah, al-Jabbar (the Compeller), al-Mutakabbir (the Most High), al-Quddus (the Most Holy), and the like, which it is not correct to attribute to anyone other than Allah (Mighty and Majestic).
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
I was only sent as a mercy to the worlds
إنما بعثت رحمةً للعالمينThe Shaykh : As for describing the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as compassionate and merciful, this has come in the Noble Qur'an, but it is restricted to the believers. Allah (Mighty and Majestic) said:
There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; [he is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.
لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَحِيمٌAs for his being a mercy, Allah the Exalted said:
And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِلْعَالَمِينَAnd as for the sayingThe questioner : And other than that, regarding the attributes of Allah and the names of Allah?
We do not say that, because among the names and attributes of Allah are some that are specific to Him (Glorified and Exalted is He), such as Allah, al-Jabbar (the Compeller), al-Mutakabbir (the Most High), al-Quddus (the Most Holy), and the like, which it is not correct to attribute to anyone other than Allah (Mighty and Majestic).
The questioner : May Allah bless you.