Similarly, one who possesses wisdom either possesses it in his own right or derives it from another. Whoever makes another wise must all the more possess wisdom. Thus, the existence of one who possesses wisdom in his own right follows under either alternative.

Similarly, if it is said:

“One who is merciful either possesses mercy in his own right or has been made merciful by another. Whoever makes another merciful must all the more be merciful, and his mercy is inseparable from his very being. Thus, under either alternative, the existence of one who is merciful in his own right, whose mercy is inseparable from his very being, is established.”

Similarly, if it is said:

“One who is generous and beneficent either possesses generosity and beneficence in his own right or derives them from another. Whoever makes another generous and beneficent must all the more be generous and beneficent, with these qualities inseparable from his very being.”

An authentic report relates the following about the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“He saw a woman among the captives who, whenever she saw an infant, would nurse it out of compassion. He said, ‘Do you think this woman would throw her child into the Fire?’

“They replied, ‘No, O Messenger of Allah.’

“He said, ‘Allah is more merciful to His servants than this woman is to her child.’”

He thus made clear that Allah is more merciful to His servants than even the most compassionate mother is to her child. For the One who made her merciful is more merciful than she is. This is also indicated by His words, “And your Lord is the Most Generous,” and by our saying, “Allah is greater.”