My Journey to Islam
July 7, 2025 - Rahma—mercy.
As I continue my journey in Islam, one concept that has recently embraced me like a warm, guiding light is rahma—mercy. It’s one of the first attributes we learn of Allah: Ar-Rahman, Ar-Raheem—The Most Merciful, The Most Compassionate. But rahma isn’t just something Allah bestows upon us; it’s something we are called to embody, to reflect in the way we live, love, and respond.
I used to think of mercy as a kind of softness, maybe even passivity—but now I see that rahma is a divine strength. It takes power to show compassion when you’ve been hurt. It takes courage to forgive when bitterness wants to bloom. And it takes humility to see people not just as they are, but as souls still in process—like me.
The more I learn about the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the more I see how deeply rooted he was in rahma. Even when mocked, threatened, or betrayed, his default was mercy. He was gentle with the vulnerable, kind with children, and patient with those who didn’t understand. That isn’t weakness—that’s prophetic strength.
In my own life, I’m learning that rahma isn’t always grand gestures. Sometimes it’s staying quiet when I want to lash out. Sometimes it’s listening without judgment. Sometimes it’s simply choosing softness over sarcasm, even when I could be right.
I’ve come to understand that when Allah tells us His mercy encompasses all things, that includes me. That includes the parts of myself I’m still healing. That includes the moments I regret. And that includes the future I haven’t figured out yet.
Rahma has changed the way I speak to myself, too. I try to be kinder now—not because I deserve less accountability, but because growth doesn’t come through shame. It blooms through light.
May we all strive to live with rahma—toward others, yes—but also toward ourselves. And may we never forget that we are wrapped in the mercy of a Lord who loves us beyond measure.
Peace be upon you.