By
Dr.Hira Mateen – Dental Surgeon and freelance writer
There are numerous ways explained in the Quran and Sunnah on how to attain Allah’s (swt) mercy. A valid question may pop up in your mind that why do we need Allah’s (swt) mercy to begin with? How does it manifest itself in our lives?
Well, mercy is a glorious virtue and high in value. Merciful people are foremost good to themselves by eating, drinking and sleeping right. They even think and behave right. They are constructive in nature and do not waste themselves. For their excellent prioritization, patience, planning and perseverance, Allah (swt) grants them coping skills in the world to overcome their troubles and reach solutions before others do.
People exhibiting mercy have exemplary qualities benefitting others too. They are able to understand other’s point of views. They give others their needed space. Merciful individuals are able to share their own materials, time, and love feeling empathy for others.
So how can we invite Allah Ar Rahman’s (The Most Merciful) mercy in our lives? Obedience to Allah (swt) and His Messenger (ﷺ), Taking the Quran as a personal guide, having Taqwa of Allah (swt) , and being merciful towards the creation of Allah (swt) are some important ways.
There are some other instant means to attain His mercy which you can easily incorporate in your daily life too.
- Attentively listening to the recitation of the Quran:
In Surah Al Araaf Allah (swt) says:
“So, when the Quran is recited, listen to it and be silent so that you may receive mercy.”
(Al Araaf 7:204)
Allah (swt) promises that if you attentively and silently listen to the recitation of the Quran, you will receive His mercy.
We have all experienced how our hearts, minds, and souls instantly become peaceful when Quran is recited. Especially if Surahs with additional virtues are recited, like Surah Al Fatihah for Shifa, Surah Al Baqarah to drive away the devils and protecting our homes from turning into a graveyard, Surah Al Falaq and Surah An-Naas to guard against evil eye and other worldly destruction. Hence, when ever you feel the need to be enveloped in His mercy instantly, listen to the recitation of the Quran attentively and quietly.
- Sending salutations upon the Prophet (ﷺ):
Sending salutations (reciting Darood) upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) is not only a means of having our sins forgiven and all of our concerns taken care of, but it is also another way to achieve Allah’s (swt) mercy. By reciting Darood once, we receive the mercy of Allah swt tenfold.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“Whoever sends blessings (Darood/salutations) upon me once, Allah will send mercy upon him ten times.” (Muslim)
- Spouses who wake each other for Tahajjud:
People who are in the habit of utilizing Tahajjud time in Istighfar, Duas, and/or prayers can feel the benefits of it throughout their lives. There is a special kind of serenity, calmness, and ease throughout the day for anyone who wakes up for Tahajjud.
The fact that it’s one of the best times to make Duas to Allah and have them fulfilled in the most miraculous way makes it even more special.
The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned in a Hadith that Allah bestows mercy upon the spouses who wake each other up to pray Tahajjud together.
“May Allah show mercy to a man who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens his wife to pray, and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face (to make her get up). May Allah show mercy to a woman who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens her husband for the same purpose; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.” (Abu Dawud)
- Making Istighfar & Duas:
Never underestimate the power of Dua to Allah (swt) and constant repentance. Calling out to Him using His names Allah, Ar Rahman, Ar Raheem invoke His Merciful attributes and increase the chances of acceptance of your Duas.
There are many effective and powerful Duas taught to us in the Sunnah to attain His mercy. Some of my personal favorites (which you can make a part of your daily supplications) are mentioned below.
اللهم اغفر لي، وارحمني، واهدني، وعافني، وارزقني
O Allah! Forgive me, have mercy on me, protect me and provide me with sustenance
[Riyad as-Salihin]
یَاحَیُّ یَا قَیُّوْمُ بِرَحْمَتِکَ اَسْتَغِیْثُ فَاصْلِحْ لِیْ شَاْنِیْ کُلَّہٗ وَلَا تَکِلْنِیْ اِلٰی نَفْسِیْ طَرْفَةَ عَیْنٍ
O Ever-Living, O Self-Subsisting and Supporter of all, by Your Mercy I seek assistance. So rectify for me all of my affairs and do not leave me in charge of my affairs even for a blink of an eye.
[Musnad Ahmadand Abu Dawud]
- Offering four Rakat before Asr prayer:
Lastly, offering 4 Rakat before the obligatory Asr prayers is another practice to add to daily life to receive Allah’s (swt) mercy. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“May Allah have mercy on one who prays 4 Rakat before the Asr Prayer.”
(Tirmidhi)
May Allah (swt) make us steadfast in His religion, help us perform deeds that please Him, and make them a part of our daily lives so they benefit us in both worlds.
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