by SHEIKH Hani Dawah
Member of the Executive Committee of the Interreligious Platform
for Dialogue and Cooperation in the Arab World (IPDC)

In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Distinguished gathering, may the peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.

First, allow me to express my profound joy at our meeting in this blessed assembly, to engage in a collective dialogue about a profound human and religious value, namely “mercy.” We will explore how mercy serves as a unifying force among followers of various faiths and humanity at large.

The concept of “mercy” transcends religious boundaries, encapsulating the essence of humanity. “Mercy,” that divine attribute encompassing compassion, tolerance, and unconditional love, represents a foundational concept present in many religious traditions across the world. Beyond doctrinal and ritual differences, “mercy” unites believers in their shared pursuit of spirituality and their relationship with the Divine.

Mercy plays a central and fundamental role in numerous religions worldwide. It represents a core concept that surpasses religious borders and forms the basis for understanding the relationship between humans and God. While expressions and interpretations of mercy may vary from one faith to another, its essence remains a cornerstone of spirituality and religious practice.

In Islam, mercy is one of God’s most important attributes. For Muslims, God is “The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate,” and we always begin our actions by saying, “In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.” Divine mercy is infinite, encompassing all aspects of a believer’s life. This virtue of “mercy” has been emphasized and alluded to more than 250 times in the Quran, underscoring its significance in life.

God, the Almighty, states in the Quran: “And My Mercy encompasses all things.” This indicates that His mercy encompasses all His creation. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him and his family, is often described as the “Prophet of Mercy.” The message of Islam and its teachings are built upon mercy. God sent him as a mercy to all worlds, as mentioned in the Quran: “And we have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.”

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said about himself, “I have only been sent as a mercy.” Islamic legislation embodies the theme of mercy and communal compassion.

The honorable Prophetic biography, verbal teachings, and practical examples showcase various facets and remarkable instances of the Prophet’s mercy. He was compassionate and gentle with children, the elderly, and the weak. He showed tenderness and kindness to women. He was merciful towards those who erred. He exhibited mercy and compassion for prisoners of war. He was even merciful to animals, birds, and inanimate objects. This mercy transcended personal desires and worldly gains, always urging his companions and believers to show compassion and spread mercy throughout the universe. He used to say, “Those who show mercy will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful.”

In Christianity, mercy is taught as a divine attribute. Christians believe in a merciful and compassionate God who forgives sins and provides redemption to those who genuinely repent. Jesus Christ, peace be upon him, stands as a supreme example of mercy, demonstrating unconditional love for sinners and the marginalized. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus is quoted as saying, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”

In Judaism, mercy is also a central theme. The concept of “Chesed” refers to God’s kindness and mercy toward His people. Jews are called to emulate God’s attributes by performing acts of charity, seeking social justice, and showing compassion to others.

In summary, despite the differences in religious beliefs and specific practices, mercy stands as a comprehensive theme that unifies various religious traditions. It embodies the core idea of divine love, compassion for others, seeking redemption, and spiritual harmony. Mercy plays a vital role in guiding believers in their relationship with God and their interactions with fellow humans. It fosters mutual understanding, tolerance, and benevolence.

Indeed, we are in great need to actualize the value of mercy and other shared values, transforming them into tangible realities, especially as the risks posed by divisive and malevolent forces have escalated, fuelling hatred, discord, sectarianism, and extremism.

When we draw inspiration from the teachings of our faith and embody mercy in our lives, we build bridges of understanding and unity. This value becomes a gauge for evaluating our actions and interactions with others, regardless of their religious affiliations. Mercy embodies tolerance, compassion, and mutual respect, serving as a fundamental element in strengthening the bonds among followers of different religions.

In conclusion, mercy empowers us to construct bridges of understanding and harmonious cooperation. It enables us to draw closer to one another, transcending differences and challenges. When we join hands and hearts to spread the spirit of mercy and love in the world, we become the agents of hope in achieving a stronger and more interactive human unity, regardless of the diversity of religions, cultures, and races. We contribute to building a world dominated by peace and brotherhood, where everyone shares the value that connects them in worship and glorification of God through the spirit of mercy.

I pray that God unites our hearts in mercy and compassion, for indeed, mercy is an endless journey.