In the Holy Quran, Allah commands His servants to walk on the earth with humility. Forgiveness (Afw) and overlooking others' faults (Dar Guzar) are among the greatest qualities a believer can have. These virtues not only bring peace and harmony in society but also strengthen our relationship with Allah and fellow human beings.
Humility and Avoiding Arrogance
Hazrat Ayaz bin Himar (RA) narrated a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), recorded in Sahih Muslim, where Allah revealed to him:
"I have commanded you to be humble so that no one oppresses another, and no one boasts over another."
This Hadith emphasizes that humility and fairness should be at the core of every Muslim’s character. No one should feel superior to another based on wealth, status, or lineage.
Helping Others and Earning Allah’s Mercy
Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrated a Hadith in Muslim Sharif, where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Whoever removes a hardship from a believer in this world, Allah will remove a hardship from him on the Day of Judgment. Whoever eases the burden of a poor person, Allah will ease his burdens in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever conceals the faults of a fellow Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah remains in the aid of His servant as long as he is helping his brother."
This Hadith beautifully highlights the importance of compassion, helping others, and protecting their dignity.
Allah’s Mercy is for Those Who Show Mercy
Hazrat Jarir (RA) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Allah will not have mercy on the one who does not show mercy to people." (Bukhari & Muslim)
One of the defining attributes of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was his kindness and mercy. His compassion extended not only to his followers but also to his enemies. He forgave those who wronged him and showed patience even in the most challenging situations.
The Importance of Maintaining Family Ties (Silah Rehmi)
Islam places great emphasis on maintaining strong family ties. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) repeatedly encouraged believers to respect and care for their relatives, warning against severing family bonds.
Hazrat Jubair bin Mut’im (RA) reported that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Whoever does not maintain ties with his relatives will not enter Paradise." (Bukhari)
Another Hadith from Muslim Sharif states:
"Mercy holds onto the throne of Allah and says: 'Whoever maintains me (family ties), Allah will maintain him, and whoever cuts me off, Allah will cut him off.'”
This highlights that family relations are not just a social duty but a divine obligation. Those who nurture family bonds will receive Allah’s blessings, while those who neglect them risk losing divine mercy.
A Decline in Mercy and Family Ties in Today’s Society
Unfortunately, today, the values of mercy and family unity are diminishing. Many people have abandoned kindness, respect, and forgiveness, leading to broken relationships and conflicts. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against this and emphasized that restoring ties and being merciful is the key to a successful life in this world and the Hereafter.
It is an alarming reality that many people today ignore family obligations and prefer personal gains over relationships. This leads to a loss of blessings and creates unnecessary enmity.
What Can We Do?
✅ Practice forgiveness in our daily lives.
✅ Help those in need without expecting anything in return.
✅ Avoid arrogance and treat everyone with respect.
✅ Strengthen family relationships by reaching out to relatives.
✅ Be kind and merciful, just as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught.
Islam teaches us that forgiveness, kindness, and maintaining family ties are essential for personal and spiritual growth. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the best example of mercy, and it is our duty as Muslims to follow his teachings.
If we want to earn Allah’s mercy and blessings, we must become merciful towards others, help the needy, and stay connected with our family members.
May Allah guide us all to be among those who forgive, show mercy, and uphold the bonds of kinship. Ameen!
