A Theology of Mercy in Islam

Cheryl Camp rsm lived in Pakistan for 7 years in the 1990s, has a Master of Islamic Studies and is currently  a PhD Candidate. Her research topic is 'Towards a Model of Christian-Muslim Women’s Interfaith Dialogue in Australia'.

In this Jubilee Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis, Catholics are invited to explore the meaning and experience of mercy. One way of exploring mercy is by looking at what it means to people of different faith traditions. Their scriptures and beliefs can enrich our own understandings.

To examine a theology of mercy in Islam may seem somewhat strange in today’s context of what could be called a plague of terrorist attacks by Islamic fundamentalists against both Muslims and non-Muslims in many parts of the world. However, their interpretation of the Qur’an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad - which forms the religious rationale for their political and military movements – does not represent the vast majority of Muslims.  It could therefore be helpful to take a brief look at a different interpretation, mindful that this ‘look’ is from a non-Muslim...

Messages to: Cheryl Camp rsm

Editor: We invite members of the Mercy network with expertise in other faith traditions to contribute articles on 'Mercy in...' for this Year of Mercy. Messages to: Mary Reynolds rsm