The concept of Mercy in Surah Al Fatiha

The opening chapter of the Quran, Surah Al-Fatiha, highlights Allah's (swt) mercy in verse three. By calling Himself "The Most Gracious, The Most Merciful," Allah (swt) reminds us of His immense compassion. This verse can be seen in two ways.

Firstly, it emphasizes the vastness of His mercy. Secondly, it gives us another reason to praise Him (swt). We learned in the previous verse why all praise belongs to Allah (swt), and this verse adds another reason. 

It's important to remember that Allah's (swt) mercy isn't like human emotions. He doesn't show mercy because He needs something from us. It's simply part of His nature to be merciful to all His creation.

 Imagine the sun shining on everyone and everything. But if someone hides under a thick cloak, the sun's warmth won't reach them. It's not because the sun isn't shining, it's because they've created a barrier.

Allah's (swt) mercy is like that sunshine, reaching all of creation. However, our bad actions can act as a veil, blocking us from receiving that mercy. So, just like we wouldn't blame the sun for not reaching someone under a cloak, we can't blame Allah (swt) if our own actions prevent us from experiencing His mercy.

How to attain Allah’s mercy?

• Listening to the Qur’an attentively and remaining silent. “And when the Qur’an is recited, listen to it with attention, that you may receive Mercy.” [7:204] 
• Practicing Ihsaan towards Allah and the creation. “Indeed the Mercy of Allah is near to those who do utmost good.” [7:156]
• Taqwa of Allah “O you who believe! Fear Allah, and believe in His Messenger, He will give you a double portion of His mercy, and He will give you a light by which you shall walk (straight). And He will forgive you. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [57:28] Similarly, Allah says: “and My Mercy encompasses all things, so soon I will write it for those who have taqwa.” [7:156]
• Obedience to Allah and His Messenger. “and obey Allah and His Messenger so that you all may receive Mercy.” [3:132]
• Following the Qur’an. “And this is a book, We have sent it down as one blessed, so follow it and fear Allah so that you all may receive Mercy.” [6:155]
• Praying four Rakat before ‘Asr prayer. The Prophet said: “May Allah have mercy on one who prays 4 Rakat before the ‘Asr Prayer.” Sahih al-Jami' No. 3493