Roots of Mercy

The Compassionate One has mercy on those who are merciful.

Sunan Abi Dawud 4941

Have you heard of the mesquite tree that grows in desert ecosystems?

It survives in places receiving less than 10 inches of rain yearly because of its remarkable root system that can extend up to 160 feet deep, the deepest of any tree we know.

The mesquite doesn't store this hard-earned water.

Instead, it becomes a fountain of mercy in the desert.

Its bean pods provide essential food for animals when other sources are gone.

Its canopy creates cooler spots (up to 20 degrees cooler), where fragile seedlings can grow.

Its deep roots even pull water to shallower soil levels where neighboring plants can reach it—scientists call this "hydraulic lift."

Most amazing of all, Mesquite roots host special bacteria that add nitrogen to the soil, enriching it far beyond what the tree itself needs, helping the entire ecosystem thrive.

The mesquite's extraordinary ability to access deep groundwater (mercy received) matches its contributions to everything around it (mercy given).

Similarly, our ability to receive divine mercy depends not just on asking for it, but on actively showing mercy to others.

Like the mesquite creating a circle of thriving life in harsh conditions, people who extend mercy, especially when it seems difficult or costly, create channels through which divine mercy flows both to them and through them to others.

Allah has blessed each of us with unique gifts, abilities, and provisions, not merely for our own benefit, but as a means for us to spread goodness beyond ourselves.

These blessings only fulfill their purpose when we use them generously.

When hoarded, our gifts become burdens, anchoring our souls to worldly attachments rather than elevating us spiritually.

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The above is an excerpt from our upcoming book "Daily Prophetic Wisdom in Nature," exploring how Allah's creation reflects divine principles.

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Reflect On this:

  1. What unique "water" (skills, knowledge, resources) has Allah blessed you with that you could share more generously with those around you?

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👶 SunnahStories

In a forest thick with banyan shade,

Where rivers danced and breezes played,

There lived a deer with heart so wide,

Named Malik, strong yet full of pride.

Not pride of self, but pride in care,

For all the beasts who wandered there.

They chose him chief, both meek and grand,

He led with wisdom, not with hand.

But in a palace not too far,

Lived King Sulayman, proud as a star.

He hunted beasts with bow and might,

And left the forest filled with fright.

Malik approached with head held low,

To where the royal guards would go.

"O king," he said, "let’s change this way,

Let peace and fairness rule the day."

"Each day, one creature comes to you,

And none shall flee, or fear pursue.

But stop the traps, the sudden fight,

Let mercy be your ruling light."*

The king was moved by Malik’s grace,

And wiped the anger from his face.

"Agreed," he said, "this pact I take—

No more will I the forest break."

So day by day, a name was drawn,

The pact upheld at every dawn.

But then one day, a doe cried loud,

Her belly full, her head unbowed.

"Please let me live a little more,

To birth the life that I adore."

And Malik said, without a pause,

"I’ll take her place—and with good cause."

He came that day to palace gate,

The king stood tall to meet his fate.

"It was not you," the king did say,

"Why come on this appointed day?"

Malik bowed low and calmly spoke,

"She carries two, her heart near broke."

"A leader gives, not takes the best—

I came today so she may rest."

The king stood still, then dropped his bow,

His heart now soft, his voice was low.

"No more," he said, "shall forest fear—

Your mercy shines, O noble deer."

He banned the hunt, he spared the land,

And ruled with justice, kind and grand.

And thus, the forest came to see—

That mercy writes the truest decree.

Reflection Questions:

1️⃣ Why did Malik the deer choose to lead with compassion rather than strength?

2️⃣ How did the king react to the deer’s sacrifice?

3️⃣ What does this story teach us about true leadership?

4️⃣ How does the Qur’an inspire us to protect life and act with mercy?

5️⃣ Can you think of a time someone stood up for someone weaker than themselves?

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🌎️ UmmahSpotlight:

🍉 WatermelonWatch: Day 592

🇬🇧 UK suspends Israel trade deal talks + sanctions 3 settlers, 2 settler outposts, & 2 orgs supporting violence against West Bank Palestinians

🇪🇺 17 EU nations agree to review EU-Israel partnership & ties, consider sanctions

🇵🇸 87 Palestinian killed in Gaza yesterday

‼️ UN: 14,000+ babies in Gaza may die in 48 hours if Israel doesn’t let aid in

⛔️ 326 deaths linked to malnutrition & lack of medicine since start of total Gaza siege in March

🍼 UN: 1st baby food shipment arrives in Gaza after 11 weeks of siege

🚩 Al-Quds Brigades claims ambush on IOF tank in Khan Younis (south)

🚩 IOF admits 1 soldier killed

‼️ Central: Israel bombs home in Deir el-Balah massacring 14 people incl. 12 family members & kids. Attack on gas station in Nuseirat camp massacres 15+ Palestinians

North:

🇵🇸 IOF bombs 2 homes in Jabalia massacring 12 Palestinians

🏫 Attack on school-shelter in Beit Lahia kills 4 people

🇵🇸 Shelling on home in Shujayea kills 3 kids. Bombings of Zeitoun & al-Daraj kill 2 people, injure others

🚑 IOF quadcopters attack Al-Awda Hospital ambulance

🇵🇸 South: Drone attacks in Khan Younis kill 9+ people, incl. 3 kids

of the Day

🤲 Make Du’a for Shehnaz

 

Ya Allah, Most Merciful and Most Generous, bless Shehnaz in her business — grant it success, barakah, and ease.

Help her find true peace, lasting happiness, and sincere love that brings her joy and closeness to You.

Ya Rabb, grant her all that is best for her in this life and the next, and keep her heart always connected to Your light and mercy.

Ameen, Ya Rabb al-'Alamin.

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