“Day of Mercy” sheds light on an important event in the history of Islam, the conquest of Mecca. On that special day, humankind saw one aspect of Prophet Muhammad’s mercy to mankind.

 [Verily you have in the prophet of Allah an excellent model, for him who fears Allah and the last day and who remembers Allah] (33:22 Holy Quran)

---

In today’s world, about half a century ago, certain principles- called International Humanitarian Law IHL- were developed to prevent excessive violence in wars and to protect the rights of innocent humans. The worthiness of these principles depends on their observance by those in power.

• Principles of humane treatment and non-discrimination based on race, nationality, color, language, and …
• Principle of distinction between combatants and military objectives, and civilians and civilian objects
• Principle of hindering attacks with no justifying reasons
• Principle of goodwill and application of peaceful methods for settling differences

Can the trace of this advanced humanitarian view be found throughout history?! On the year 8 AH (7^th century CE) the Conquest of Mecca occurred.  An event that was one of the greatest accomplishments of Muslims. Since Muslims gained power upon entrance into Mecca, those of them who had, for years, severely suffered under the harassment of Meccan disbelievers, started to chant: “Today is the day of destruction (Malhama)”. But the Prophet of Islam (PBUH & HP)- who, as confirmed by the Holy Qur’an, has been appointed by Allah as the Prophet of Mercy for all the worlds- told them to put away the hatred and asserted: “Today is the Day of Mercy (Marhama)”. By the command of the Prophet of Islam, on the Conquest of Mecca by Muslims- who until then were oppressed but now had absolute power- the largest general amnesty was granted. With this prescription, the Prophet of Mercy, founded the principle of precedence of peace and forgiveness over war and revenge, and even observed the rights of the enemies of Islam; the Prophet (PBUH & HP) declared the house of Islam’s biggest enemy at that time, Abu-Sufyan, a sanctuary so that any of the unbelievers seeking refuge in his house would be safe. On that Day, none of the adherents to disbelief was killed. In history, this Day has been called “the Day of Mercy”.