Exploring the ethical dimensions and principles of Raḥmatan Lil-ʿĀlamīn in contemporary context

• Main Authors: Ahmad Sabri, Hakimah, Shehu, Fatmir Mehdi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: IIUM Press 2021
• Subjects: BJ1188 Religious ethics; BL Religion; BP134 Qur'an; BP170.8 Universality of Islam; BP173.2 Sources of Islam
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/93316/8/93316_Exploring%20the%20Ethical%20Dimensions%20and%20Principles.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/93316/; https://journals.iium.edu.my/al-itqan/index.php/al-itqan/article/view/192

This article seeks to explore the ethical dimension of the concept of Raḥmatan lil ‘Ālamīn (mercy for all creatures). It aims at the analysis of this concept through the history of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)’s life. The significance of this study lays on the application of this concept in contemporary context. This research starts with a brief introduction followed by a discussion on the meaning of Raḥmatan lil ‘Ālamīn, Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) the epitome of mercy and the exemplary ethical role model, the ethical dimensions Raḥmatan lil ‘Ālamīn, its ethical principles, and its application in Contemporary Context. A qualitative methodology is employed by analyzing al-Tafsīr (exegesis) of the related Qur’ānic verses and Aḥādīth (sayings of the Prophet p.b.u.h.) pertaining to this concept. The findings show that based on the history of Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.)’s life, several ethical dimensions, i.e., the belief in Allah S.W.T., the freedom of choice, and responsibility) and ethical principles, i.e., Revelation-based mercy, forgiveness, respect, tolerance, and strictness, are found in the concept of Raḥmatan lil ‘Ālamīn. Besides, golden values, such as tolerance, love, harmony, and unity particularly in social dimension are intensely promoted through this concept, and hopefully it will increase social cohesion and unity and encourage people to be the best model of themselves.