The Mercy of Makkah

Introduction

In a world where power often leads to revenge, one man showed the strength of mercy. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the final messenger of Islam, lived a life filled with hardship, betrayal, and relentless opposition. Yet, despite all the suffering he endured, he never allowed bitterness to darken his heart. His greatest victories weren’t won through violence or hatred — they were won through compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering character.

This is the story of the Mercy of Makkah, and the timeless moments that defined what it truly means to rise above.

The Conquest of Makkah: Power in His Hands

After 20 years of persecution and exile, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) returned to Makkah with an army of 10,000 strong. The city that had once mocked him, plotted his death, and driven him away was now at his mercy. Many expected retribution. Fear spread among the Quraysh. Some locked themselves inside their homes, waiting for justice to fall. But what happened next stunned the world. He entered the city humbly, head bowed, riding not with pride, but with peace. He declared a general amnesty. He turned to the people who had once tortured his companions and asked:

"What do you think I will do to you?"

One man stepped forward and said, “You are a noble brother, the son of a noble brother.” The Prophet replied with words of complete forgiveness:

“No blame will be upon you today. You are free.”

No revenge. No punishment. Only mercy.

The Woman Who Threw Garbage

In Makkah, there was a woman who made it her routine to insult and humiliate the Prophet (PBUH). Each day, as he passed her home, she would throw garbage at him from her window. He never responded. Never changed his route. Never raised his voice. One day, as he walked by, nothing happened. Concerned, he stopped and asked about her. Upon learning she was ill, he visited her and offered his help. She was overwhelmed. The man she tried to shame showed her kindness. That one act softened her heart and brought her to Islam.

Compassion changed what hatred never could.

Ta’if – The Blood and the Prayer

After facing brutal oppression in Makkah, the Prophet traveled to the city of Ta’if, seeking support. But instead of welcoming him, they mocked him and incited the children to throw stones. He fled the city, bleeding and broken, and rested under a tree. In that moment of physical pain and emotional exhaustion, Angel Jibreel appeared, offering to crush the city between the mountains. He had every right to accept. But the Prophet refused.

“No, perhaps their children will believe.”

Instead of cursing his enemies, he prayed for them. That’s the level of mercy only a prophet could possess.

The Prisoners of Badr

In one of Islam’s earliest battles, many Quraysh warriors who once opposed and plotted against the Prophet were captured. Rather than seek revenge, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) treated the prisoners with dignity. He instructed his companions to feed them, care for them, and even released many in exchange for them teaching Muslim children to read and write. He turned war into a lesson in justice, humanity, and education.

Forgiveness of Hind and Wahshi

Among the most painful memories for the Prophet was the death of his beloved uncle, Hamza (RA), who was brutally killed in battle. The man who killed him, Wahshi, and the woman who mutilated Hamza’s body, Hind, both later accepted Islam. Many would expect him to reject them. But the Prophet accepted their repentance — not because he forgot what they did, but because he knew the power of a clean heart and a new beginning.

The Real Legacy

These aren’t just isolated incidents. They represent the core of his mission. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said: “I was not sent except as a mercy to all creation.” (Qur’an 21:107) He forgave when he had the power to punish. He comforted when others turned cold. He smiled when faced with hate. That’s not weakness — it’s a strength that reshapes the world.

Conclusion: A Mercy Worth Remembering

The Prophet’s greatest triumphs weren’t on the battlefield — they were in the hearts he transformed through mercy. He showed the world that being right doesn’t mean being harsh. That having power doesn’t justify cruelty. And that true strength lies in restraint. Today, in a world so quick to hate, cancel, and divide, his example stands as a timeless guide. If he could forgive his worst enemies — maybe we can forgive each other.