the mercy of the prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was universal and encompassed both

	jinn and humans. everyone had a share of the kindness and mercy of the prophet, sallallaahu

	‘alayhi wa sallam. he guided the believer, guarded the hypocrite from death, delayed the

	punishment of the disbeliever, and honored the covenants with non-muslims.

	in fact, all creation, including animals, birds, insects and inanimate objects, benefited from the

	mercy of the prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

	consequently, there is no doubt that he is the prophet of mercy. allaah the almighty says (what

	means): {and we have not sent you, [o muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.} [quran

	21:107]

	assuredly, he deserved that allaah the almighty granted him two of his own unique names

	unlike all other prophets before him. allaah the almighty says (what means) describing him:

	{and to the believers is kind and merciful} [quran 9:128] and he the almighty says (what

	means) describing himself: {indeed allaah, to the people, is kind and merciful.} [quran 22:65]

	the prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, had both attributes as allaah the almighty

	described him. as a matter of fact, all those who dealt with him realized both attributes in his

	character. maalik ibn al-huwayrith, may allaah be pleased with him, said, “i came to the

	prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, with a group of my clan and stayed with him for twenty

	nights. he was kindhearted and merciful. when he noticed that we missed our families, he said:

	‘return to your families and teach them (religious knowledge).’” [al-bukhaari and muslim]

	there are countless evidences that testify to the mercy of the prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa

	sallam, for it was a natural attribute in his character. it filled his speech, actions, motions and

	even his times of rest. in this regard, the messenger of allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam,

	said: “o people! i am not but a given mercy.” [ad-daarimi and al-haakim; al-albaani:

	hasan]