Witnesses of Mercy for Peace and Reconciliation

12 he Prophet (Peace be Upon Him) said that those who are merciful will receive God’s mercy. Mercy is a word we use frequently in our everyday lives, for instance when we begin eating we begin in the name of God, the Compas- sionate, the Merciful. When we finish eating we use the same words, and when we start any activity we always remember God and use the word mercy. “Mercy” is used 268 times in the Qur’an, whereas “punishment” is used only 117 times. There are 234 occasions where tolerance is mentioned, implying understanding and also mercy. The Prophet (PBUH) was merciful in all of his words and deeds, of which we have many examples of his behaviour towards people, animals and plants. “The challenge facing us all cannot be dealt with alone” His Excellency Grand Mufti Sheikh Dr. Shawki Ibrahim Allam T THE FOUNDAT IONS OF MERCY