An Analysis of God's Attributes 'The Beneficent' and 'The Merciful'

Abstract

I would like to begin my presentation with the quotation of the first sentence of Shafii’s Treatise er-Risala, the first work which has been reached us until now, concerning foundation of Islamic jurisprudence. “Praise be to God gratitude for one of His favors can only be paid through another favor of him. And this favor generates favor to be bestowed, wherefore, one should feel obliged continuously to pay gratitude to God for each favor.” It is possible to conceive that Mercy (al-Rahma), the common expression of all favors granted by the Almighty Creature of human beings, has two salient characteristics: one is vertical that is with regard to the Creator and creatures, and the other is horizontal that is concerning human relations among themselves as well as with other creatures. When the concept of Mercy is evaluated in perspective of God-human being relations in the existing world, it indicates that God’s favors, without discrimination, are granted to all human beings. And the same relationship is to be viewed from human angle. The deeds which were performed through free will is directly associated with the concept of responsibility and liability. In other words, in the process of love and beneficence of God to His creatures, human beings in particular, and the feeling of gratitude is reflected in the form of love, respect and pure obedience (worship) of human beings to the Creator; the natural connotation of al-Rahma prevails and manifests itself.