# Mercy

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Benevolence, forgiveness, and kindness

For other uses, see [Mercy (disambiguation)](/source/Mercy_(disambiguation)).

"Merciful" redirects here. For people called "the Merciful", see [List of people known as the Merciful](/source/List_of_people_known_as_the_Merciful).

*The Seven [Works of Mercy](/source/Works_of_Mercy)*, by [Frans II Francken](/source/Frans_II_Francken), 1605.

**Mercy** ([/ˈmɜːr.si/](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/English), [*MUR-see*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key); from [Middle English](/source/Middle_English), from [Anglo-French](/source/Anglo-Norman_language) *merci*, from [Medieval Latin](/source/Medieval_Latin) *merced-*, *merces* "price paid, wages", from [Latin](/source/Latin) *merc-*, *merxi* "merchandise") is [benevolence](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/benevolence), [forgiveness](/source/Forgiveness), and [kindness](/source/Kindness) in a variety of ethical, religious, social, and [legal](/source/Law) contexts.

In the social and legal context, mercy may refer both to compassionate behavior on the part of those in power (e.g. mercy shown by a judge toward a convict), or on the part of a humanitarian third party (e.g., a mission of mercy aiming to treat war victims).[1]

## Definition

"Mercy" can be defined as "compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power"; and also "a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion."[2] "To be at someone's mercy" indicates a person being "without defense against someone."[3]

## Law and ethics

The *Spirit of Compassion*, commemorating [World War I](/source/World_War_I), [South Australia](/source/National_War_Memorial_(South_Australia)), 1931

In a judicial context mercy is often termed "clemency". It is a sovereign prerogative that resides in the executive and is entirely discretionary. [John Locke](/source/John_Locke) defined it as "the power to act according to discretion, for the public good, without the prescription of the Law, and sometimes even against it."[4] The U.S. [Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit](/source/Court_of_Appeals_for_the_Sixth_Circuit) explained that "The very nature of clemency is that it is grounded solely in the will of the dispenser of clemency. He need give no reasons for granting it or for denying it."[5]

[Burden of proof](/source/Burden_of_proof_(law)) standards affects the leniency of the legal system.[6]

## Religions

The concept of a merciful [God](/source/God) appears in various religions, including [Hinduism](/source/Hinduism), [Christianity](/source/Christianity), [Judaism](/source/Judaism), and [Islam](/source/Islam). Performing acts of mercy as a component of religious beliefs is also emphasized through actions such as the giving of alms, care for the sick, and [Works of Mercy](/source/Works_of_Mercy).

### Christianity

[Hebrews 4:16](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/Hebrews/4?16) says, "So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help." Grace and mercy are similar in that both are free gifts of God and both are dispensed absent any merit on the part of the recipient. Grace is the favor of God, a divine assistance. Grace is what one receives that one does not deserve while mercy is what one receives when one does *not* get what one deserves.[7]

An emphasis on mercy appears in the [New Testament](/source/New_Testament), for example in the [Magnificat](/source/Magnificat)[8] and [Benedictus](/source/Benedictus_(Song_of_Zechariah)) (Song of [Zechariah](/source/Zechariah_(priest))),[9] in [Luke's Gospel](/source/Luke's_Gospel), and in the [Beatitudes](/source/Beatitudes) in [Matthew 5:7](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Matthew%205:7&version=nrsv): "Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy."[10] In [Ephesians 2:4–5](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Ephesians%202:4–5&version=nrsv) [Apostle Paul](/source/Apostle_Paul) refers to the mercy of God in terms of salvation: "God, who is rich in mercy... even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ."

[Psalm 117](/source/Psalm_117) calls upon all nations to praise the Lord on account of his "merciful kindness". This is quoted by the Apostle Paul in [Romans 15:11](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Romans%2015:11&version=nrsv) to show that God has now fulfilled this prophecy and promise through Jesus Christ, who has been merciful in giving his life as a sacrifice for his people, both Jew and gentile. [1 Peter 2:9–10](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=1%20Peter%202:9–10&version=nrsv) reads:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

This devotional element of mercy as part of the Christian tradition was echoed by [Saint Augustine](/source/Saint_Augustine) who called mercy "ever ancient, ever new".[10][11] The [Works of Mercy](/source/Works_of_Mercy) (seven corporal and seven spiritual works) are part of the Catholic and [Eastern Orthodox](/source/Eastern_Orthodox) traditions.[12]

#### Roman Catholicism

See also: [Divine Mercy](/source/Divine_Mercy)

The first *[Divine Mercy image](/source/Divine_Mercy_image)* (c. 1934) painted according to the apparitions of [Faustina Kowalska](/source/Faustina_Kowalska) by [Eugene Kazimierowski](/source/Eugene_Kazimierowski). Now permanently enshrined at the [Divine Mercy Sanctuary of Vilnius](/source/Divine_Mercy_Sanctuary_(Vilnius)), [Lithuania](/source/Lithuania)[13]

In the encyclical *[Dives in misericordia](/source/Dives_in_misericordia)* ("Rich in Mercy") [Pope John Paul II](/source/Pope_John_Paul_II) examined the role of mercy—both God's mercy, and also the need for human mercy.[14] He saw in the [Parable of the Prodigal Son](/source/Parable_of_the_Prodigal_Son) ([Luke 15:11–32](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Luke%2015:11–32&version=nrsv)) "the essence of the divine mercy".[14] Having squandered his patrimony, justice would dictate that the prodigal should only expect to be received back as a hireling. The figure of the father is analogous to God as Father, who goes beyond the requirements of justice to welcome his son with compassion.

The [Catechism of the Catholic Church](/source/Catechism_of_the_Catholic_Church) emphasizes the importance of the [Works of Mercy](/source/Works_of_Mercy). In [Roman Catholic](/source/Roman_Catholic) teachings the mercy of God flows through the work of the Holy Spirit.[12][15] Roman [Catholic liturgy](/source/Catholic_liturgy) includes frequent references to mercy, e.g., as in *[Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison](/source/Kyrie)*: Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy.[16]

Mercy has also been an important subject of Christian [iconography](/source/Iconography). Since the [Middle Ages](/source/Middle_Ages), many representations in art encouraged people to practice the [works of mercy](/source/Works_of_mercy) and, as the art historian [Ralf van Bühren](/source/Ralf_van_B%C3%BChren) explains using the example of [Caravaggio](/source/Caravaggio), helped "the audience to explore mercy in their own lives".[17]: 79–80

In the 20th century, there was new focus on mercy in the Roman Catholic Church, partly due to the [Divine Mercy](/source/Divine_Mercy) devotion.[13][18][19] The primary focus of the Divine Mercy devotion is the merciful love of God and the desire to let that love and mercy flow through one's own heart towards those in need of it.[18]

Pope John Paul II was a follower of the Divine Mercy devotion, due to Saint [Mary Faustina Kowalska](/source/Mary_Faustina_Kowalska) (1905–1938), who is known as the *[Apostle of Mercy](/source/Faustina_Kowalska)*.[19][20]

A number of Roman Catholic [shrines](/source/Shrines) are specifically dedicated to Divine Mercy, e.g. the [Basilica of Divine Mercy](/source/Divine_Mercy_Sanctuary_(Krakow)) in Krakow Poland, and the [National Shrine of The Divine Mercy (Stockbridge, Massachusetts)](/source/National_Shrine_of_The_Divine_Mercy_(Stockbridge%2C_Massachusetts)).[21] During the dedication of the Basilica of Divine Mercy, John Paul II quoted [the Diary of Faustina](/source/Diary%3A_Divine_Mercy_in_My_Soul) and called mercy the "greatest attribute of God Almighty".[22]

The first *World Apostolic Congress on Mercy* was held in Rome in April 2008 and was inaugurated by [Pope Benedict XVI](/source/Pope_Benedict_XVI).[10][23]

In 2015, at [St. Peter's Basilica](/source/St._Peter's_Basilica), in a [Papal Bull](/source/Papal_Bull) of [Indiction](/source/Proclamation) entitled *Misericordiae Vultus* ("The Face of Mercy"), [Pope Francis](/source/Pope_Francis) proclaimed a Special and Extraordinary Holy Year [Jubilee Year](/source/Jubilee_(Christianity)) of Mercy, from December 8, 2015: [Solemnity](/source/Solemnity) of the [Immaculate Conception](/source/Immaculate_Conception) of the [Blessed Virgin Mary](/source/Blessed_Virgin_Mary), until November 21, 2016: the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus [Christ the King](/source/Christ_the_King).[24] The theme of the Extraordinary Jubilee was taken from [Luke 6:36](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Luke%206:36&version=nrsv), "Merciful, Like the Father".[25]

### Islam

In [Islam](/source/Islam) the title "Most Merciful" (*Al-Raheem*) is one of the [names of Allah](/source/Names_of_Allah) and "Most Compassionate" (*[Al-Rahman](/source/Al-Rahman)*), is the most common name occurring in the [Quran](/source/Quran). *Rahman* and *Rahim* both derive from the root *Rahmat*, which refers to tenderness and benevolence.[26] As a form of mercy, the giving of alms (*[zakat](/source/Zakat)*) is the fourth of the [Five Pillars of Islam](/source/Five_Pillars_of_Islam) and one of the requirements for the faithful.[27]

### Judaism

The concept of mercy encompasses two terms in Hebrew. *[Chesed](/source/Chesed)*, which is also translated as 'loving-kindness' and 'goodness', is the seventh of the [thirteen defining attributes of God](/source/Thirteen_Attributes_of_Mercy).

The other, *rachamim*, is also translated as 'compassion' (or because its noun form is grammatically plural, as 'mercies'). *Rachamim* is the fourth of the thirteen attributes. [Exodus 34:6](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Exodus%2034:6&version=nrsv) says: "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness."[28] This is also emphasized in the context of the Babylonian exile in Isaiah: "For the Lord has comforted his people, and will have compassion on his suffering ones. But Zion said, 'The Lord has forsaken me, my Lord has forgotten me.' Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you." ([Isaiah 49:13–15](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Isaiah%2049:13–15&version=nrsv)) Also: "It is good to pray and fast, to be merciful and just." ([Tobit 12:8](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Tobit%2012:8&version=nrsvae)) When [David](/source/David), because of his sin, was told to choose between a three-year famine, pursuit by his enemies for three months, or a three-day pestilence, he chose the pestilence, saying, "Let us fall by the hand of God, for he is most merciful; but let me not fall by the hand of man." ([2 Samuel 24:14](https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2Samuel/24?14)) [Psalm 103:8](/source/Psalm_103#v8) praises God for his mercy.

### Other religions and beliefs

[Kwan Yin](/source/Kwan_Yin) the bodhisattva of mercy and compassion, is one of the best known and most venerated [Bodhisattva](/source/Bodhisattva) in Asia.[29]

*[Karuṇā](/source/Karu%E1%B9%87%C4%81)* (often translated as "compassion") is part of the beliefs of [Hinduism](/source/Hinduism), [Buddhism](/source/Buddhism), and [Jainism](/source/Jainism). *Karuṇā* is present in all schools of Buddhism and in Jainism it is viewed as one of the reflections of universal friendship.

The spiritual teacher [Meher Baba](/source/Meher_Baba) described God as being "all-merciful and eternally benevolent" in his [O Parvardigar](/source/Parvardigar_Prayer) prayer, and he held that we can approach God through the "invocation of His mercy."[30]

## Quotes

- "I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice." ―[Abraham Lincoln](/source/Abraham_Lincoln)[31][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*]

- "For children are innocent and love justice, while most of us are wicked and naturally prefer mercy." ―[G.K. Chesterton](/source/G.K._Chesterton)[31][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*]

- "You cannot conceive, nor can I, of the appalling strangeness of the mercy of God." ―[Graham Greene](/source/Graham_Greene), *[Brighton Rock](/source/Brighton_Rock_(novel))*[31][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*]

- "'What a pity that Bilbo did not stab that vile creature, when he had a chance!' Pity? It was Pity that stayed his hand. Pity, and Mercy: not to strike without need. And he has been well rewarded, Frodo. Be sure that he took so little hurt from the evil, and escaped in the end, because he began his ownership of the Ring so. With Pity." ―[J.R.R. Tolkien](/source/J.R.R._Tolkien), *[The Fellowship of the Ring](/source/The_Fellowship_of_the_Ring)*[31][*[better source needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Verifiability#Questionable_sources)*]

## Literature

- In [Shakespeare](/source/Shakespeare)'s *[The Merchant of Venice](/source/The_Quality_of_Mercy_(Shakespeare_quote))*, [Portia](/source/Portia_(The_Merchant_of_Venice)), disguised as young lawyer Balthazar, begs Shylock to show mercy to her client Antonio:[32]

The quality of mercy is not strain'd. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:

It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.

- In [O. Henry](/source/O._Henry)'s *[A Retrieved Reformation](/source/A_Retrieved_Reformation)*, safecracker Jimmy Valentine betrays his identity and burglary skills in order to free a child accidentally trapped in a bank vault. A detective who has been pursuing him witnesses Valentine crack the safe. As Valentine subsequently surrenders, the detective pretends not to recognize him and walks away.[33]

## See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Mercy](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Mercy).

Wikiquote has quotations related to ***[Mercy](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Special:Search/Mercy)***.

- [Accountability](/source/Accountability) – Concept of responsibility in ethics, governance and decision-making

- [Blackstone's ratio](/source/Blackstone's_ratio) – 1760s legal maxim by William Blackstone

- [Christian universalism](/source/Christian_universalism) – Christian belief that all will be reconciled to God

- [Clementia](/source/Clementia) – Roman goddess of clemency

- [Mercy Corps](/source/Mercy_Corps) – American humanitarian aid NGO founded 1979

- [Thirteen Attributes of Mercy](/source/Thirteen_Attributes_of_Mercy) – Divine Attributes with which, according to Judaism, God governs the world

- [Virgin of Mercy](/source/Virgin_of_Mercy) – Depiction of the Virgin Mary sheltering a group using her outspread cloak

- [Works of Mercy](/source/Works_of_Mercy) – Meritorious works or acts in moralsPages displaying short descriptions of redirect targets

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** - Sarat, Austin; Hussain, Nasser (2006). *Forgiveness, mercy, and clemency*. Stanford University Press. pp. 1–5. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8047-5333-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8047-5333-4). - Menke, Christopher (2006). *Reflections of equality*. Stanford University Press. p. 193. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-8047-4474-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8047-4474-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["mercy"](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mercy). *Merriam-Webster*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250419050947/https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mercy) from the original on 2025-04-19. Retrieved 2023-08-12.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** "at the mercy of". [*McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs*](https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/at+the+mercy+of). The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 2002. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231125204654/https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/at+the+mercy+of) from the original on 2023-11-25. Retrieved 2023-08-12.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Locke, John (1980). MacPherson, C.B (ed.). *Second Treatise on Civil Government*. Indianapolis, Ind.: Hackett. §§159–160.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** *In re Sapp*, 118 F.3d 460, 465 (6th Cir. 1997).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-p068_6-0)** Hansberry, Heidi L. (2021). ["Legal Standards By The Numbers"](https://judicature.duke.edu/articles/legal-standards-by-the-numbers/). *Judicature*. Retrieved 2026-05-23.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Wellman, Jack (March 17, 2014). ["What Is The Difference Between Mercy and Grace?"](https://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2014/03/17/what-is-the-difference-between-mercy-and-grace/). *Christian Crier*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230812014654/https://www.patheos.com/blogs/christiancrier/2014/03/17/what-is-the-difference-between-mercy-and-grace/) from the original on August 12, 2023. Retrieved August 12, 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [Luke 1:46–55](https://bible.oremus.org/?passage=Luke%201:46–55&version=nrsv)

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1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Mauriello149_10-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Mauriello149_10-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Mauriello149_10-2) Mauriello, Matthew R. (2011). *Mercies Remembered*. Xulon Press. pp. 149–160. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-61215-005-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-61215-005-5).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [Augustine of Hippo](/source/Augustine_of_Hippo). *[Confessions](/source/Confessions_(St._Augustine))*. X.27.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Apostoli105_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Apostoli105_12-1) Apostoli, Andrew (2002). *We Believe in the Holy Spirit*. Our Sunday Visitor, Publishing Division. pp. 105–107. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-931709-31-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-931709-31-9).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Withyou548_13-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Withyou548_13-1) [Groeschel, Benedict](/source/Benedict_Groeschel) (2010). *Am With You Always*. Ignatius Press. p. 548. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-58617-257-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-58617-257-2).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Dives_14-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Dives_14-1) Pope John Paul II (November 30, 1980). ["Dives in misericordia"](https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_30111980_dives-in-misericordia.html). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Catechism2447_15-0)** ["Catechism of the Catholic Church"](https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P8F.HTM). *The Holy See*. 2447.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Fortescue, Adrian (1910). ["Kyrie Eleison"](https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08714a.htm). *Catholic encyclopedia*. Vol. 8. New York: Robert Appleton Co. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230814134407/https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08714a.htm) from the original on 2023-08-14. Retrieved 2023-08-12.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** [Bühren, Ralf van](/source/Ralf_van_B%C3%BChren) (2017). ["Caravaggio's 'Seven Works of Mercy' in Naples. The relevance of art history to cultural journalism"](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F23753234.2017.1287283). *Church, Communication and Culture*. **2**: 63–87. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/23753234.2017.1287283](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F23753234.2017.1287283).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Ball175_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Ball175_18-1) Ball, Ann (2003). *Encyclopedia of Catholic Devotions and Practices*. Our Sunday Visitor. p. 175. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-87973-910-X](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-87973-910-X).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Butler_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Butler_19-1) Burns, Paul; Butler, Alban (2001). *Butler's lives of the saints: the third millennium*. Bloomsbury Academic. p. 252. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-86012-383-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-86012-383-5).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Drake85_20-0)** Drake, Tim (2002). *Saints of the Jubilee*. AuthorHouse. pp. 85–95. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-4033-1009-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-4033-1009-5).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Address of John Paul II"](https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1997/june/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19970607_divina-misericordia.html). *Holy See*. Shrine of Divine Mercy, Krakow. 7 June 1997. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230812033936/https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/speeches/1997/june/documents/hf_jp-ii_spe_19970607_divina-misericordia.html) from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** John Paul II (17 August 2002). ["Dedication of the Shrine of Divine Mercy"](https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/2002/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_20020817_shrine-divine-mercy.html). *Holy See*. Kraków-Łagiewniki.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** - ["Benedict XVI Inaugurates 1st Mercy Conference"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080407083540/http://www.zenit.org/article-22184?l=english). *Zenit*. April 2, 2008. Archived from [the original](http://www.zenit.org/article-22184?l=english) on April 7, 2008. Retrieved May 22, 2011. - Wooden, Cindy (April 3, 2008). ["Cardinal calls mercy a grace that points out sin, provides healing"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120330191223/http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801799.htm). *Catholic News Service*. Archived from [the original](http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0801799.htm) on March 30, 2012. Retrieved May 22, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Pope Francis (April 11, 2015). ["Misericordiae Vultus"](https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/papa-francesco_bolla_20150411_misericordiae-vultus.html). *Holy See*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210125155617/http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/bulls/documents/papa-francesco_bolla_20150411_misericordiae-vultus.html) from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Harris, Elise (March 13, 2015). ["Pope Francis declares Holy Year for Mercy"](https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/31669/pope-francis-declares-holy-year-for-mercy). *Catholic News Agency*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Rafiabadi_26-0)** *World religions and Islam: a critical study, Part 1* by Hamid Naseem Rafiabadi, 2003 Sarup and Sons Publishers [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [81-7625-414-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/81-7625-414-2) page 211

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Hooker_27-0)** Hooker, Richard (July 14, 1999). "arkan ad-din the five pillars of religion". Washington State University. ["The Five Pillars"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101203124633/http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/5PILLARS.HTM). Archived from [the original](http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/GLOSSARY/5PILLARS.HTM) on 2010-12-03. Retrieved 2010-11-17.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Barton, John; Reimer, David James (1997). *After the exile*. Mercer University Press. p. 90. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-86554-524-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-86554-524-3).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** Kok Kiang Koh (2004). *Guan Yin: goddess of compassion*. Asiapac Books. pp. 6–8. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [981-229-379-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/981-229-379-5).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** Kalchuri, Bhau (1986). *Meher Prabhu: Lord Meher*. Vol. 18. Myrtle Beach: Manifestation, Inc. p. 5986.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-goodreads_31-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-goodreads_31-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-goodreads_31-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-goodreads_31-3) ["Quotes About Mercy", Goodreads](http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/mercy)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** Shakespeare, William (2010). Bate, Jonathan; Rasmussen, Eric (eds.). [*The Merchant of Venice*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Gk1wthOVvIwC&pg=PA150). [Modern Library](/source/Modern_Library). pp. 150–151. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1-58836-874-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-58836-874-4).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** O. Henry (1922). ["A Retrieved Reformation"](https://archive.org/stream/selectedstoriesf00henr#page/40/mode/2up). In Smith, C. Alphonso (ed.). *Selected stories from O. Henry*. New York: Odyssey Press. pp. 41–49.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Mercy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercy) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercy?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.