26. MERCY OF GOD

26. Mercy of God ~ 75 ~ one another which should manifest itself at all times in their conversations and transactions. An individual – so tradition has it – once came to the Prophet and asked him for some masterly piece of advice, which would enable him to tackle the problems of life with greater efficacy. The Prophet replied, ‘Don’t get angry.’ This wise counsel meant that human beings should live together like brothers, friends. Even the most galling of situations should not provoke them. Regardless of the circumstance they should never abandon this culture of rahmat. It is repeatedly stated in the Qur’an that everything in the universe is subservient to the will of God. That being so, the universe, displaying as it does all the various manifestations of His will, His likes and His dislikes, presents the perfect model for human behaviour. It is up to man to adopt this model in his daily living. What is this example set by the universe? It is one of the perpetual benefits to man, without receiving anything in return. The sun gives light and heat to the whole world without demanding a price for it.