Compassion Quote by Martin Lings
““In after-years he would tell of an incident that took place at one of their encampments: "We were with the Prophet when a Companion brought in a fledgling that he had caught, and one of the parent birds came and threw itself into the hands of him who had taken its young. I saw men's faces full of wonderment, and the Prophet said: 'Do ye wonder at this bird? Ye have taken its young, and it hath thrown itself down in merciful tenderness unto its young. Yet I swear by God, Your Lord is more merciful unto you than is this bird unto its fledgling. And he told the man to put back the young bird where he had found it. He also said: "God hath a hundred mercies,and one of them hath He sent down amongst jinn and men and cattle and beasts of prey. Thereby they are kind and merciful unto one another, and thereby the wild creature inclineth in tenderness unto her offspring. And ninety-nine mercies hath God reserved unto Himself, that therewith He may show mercy unto His slaves on the day of the Resurrection.””
About This Quote
Source Hadith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), narrated by Ibn Abbas, recorded by Martin Lings
The story illustrates divine mercy surpassing even the tender act of a bird protecting its young, emphasizing God's greater compassion.
In simple terms: God’s mercy exceeds all earthly kindness.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and trust in divine compassion.
Themes
mercy
compassion
spirituality
Mood
reverent
inspirational
Type
spiritual
teaching
When to use this quote
- prayer
- teaching children about kindness
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
divine grace
ethical humility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we emulate divine mercy in our lives?
- What does this story teach about humility?
A Different Perspective
Human compassion is limited compared to divine mercy.
