Yaqeen Podcast He Wrote on Himself Mercy | Ramadan Pause & Reflect #3 | Dr. Omar Suleiman
Feb 24, 2026
A reflection on the meaning of divine mercy and what it signals about justice and power. A look at scripture and a hadith qudsi that frame mercy as intrinsic to God’s nature. A challenge to resist abusing authority and to hold oneself to higher moral standards. A call to use Ramadan as a time to set elevated personal goals and deepen accountability.
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Divine Mercy Is Self-Prescribed
- Allah explicitly prescribed mercy on Himself by saying كَتَبَ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِهِ الرَّحْمَةِ, meaning divine mercy is an intrinsic attribute not a human projection.
- Dr. Omar Suleiman stresses this prevents humans from fashioning God to suit desires and shows mercy is foundational to God's identity.
God Forbids Oppression For Himself
- Allah declares He forbids oppression for Himself (إِنِّي حَرَّمْتُ الظُّلْمَ عَلَىٰ نَفْسِي), establishing a divine standard against injustice.
- Dr. Omar Suleiman contrasts this with human rulers who use mercy instrumentally to secure authority.
God's Mercy Is Not A Political Strategy
- Unlike earthly rulers who give mercy for power preservation, Allah never needed to grant mercy for political reasons.
- This demonstrates mercy as pure divine will, not a strategic concession, making oppression absolutely forbidden for God.