Tawbah A Prelude to Receive God’s Mercy
Various supplications or Du’as are recommended for Muslims to recite in pre-dawns during the blessed month of Ramadan. One of them is Du’a al-Sahar ascribed to Imam Muhammad al-Baqir, the fifth Shia Imam, and reported by Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. It has been mentioned in Mafatih al-Jinan.
In one section of this supplication, we read: “O Allah, I ask You to give me from Your mercy at its utmost inclusiveness, and all Your mercy is inclusive. O Allah, I beseech You by all your mercy.”
This section consists of three sentences, just like other sections. The first one calls for mercy, the next describes God’s mercy, and the third one is another request.
The request that has been put forward here is asking for real mercy from God, one that we feel in our lives just like the rain.
Concept of “Rahmat”
Humans sometimes are affected or moved when they see the conditions of an animal or a human being and extend a helping hand. This feeling that erupts in individuals is called “rahmat” and it forces people to act and meet the needs of others.
This notion can also be attributed to God Almighty but just if we do not attach to Him worldly limitations.
Who does benefit from God’s special mercy?
God says His mercy is inclusive. In one sense, creation and mercy are inseparable. However, there is a special mercy for people who ask for it. This special mercy is for those who are prepared to receive it.
According to Allameh Tabatabaei, mercy and forgiveness have been mentioned together in the Holy Quran and hence one should reach mercy from forgiveness. The only barrier to God’s mercy is our sins. Those who repent will prepare the ground to receive God’s mercy.
This article was derived from a lecture by seminary teacher Hojat-ol-Islam Mohammad Soroosh Mahallati.
