Examining the Educational Effects of Prayer and Appealing to the Prophet and the Ahl al-Bayt as Manifestations of Divine Mercy

One of the most important pillars of duʿa (supplication) is the relationship with the Prophet and his noble family, which is established through appealing to these noble figures. God has also described the Prophet as "the mercy of the worlds" and one of the aspects of mercy is his mediation in the relationship between the servants and the Almighty. Therefore, understanding the Prophetic mercy that originates from the infinite divine mercy is extremely important in human education.In general, understanding God's "mercy" (i.e. the Prophet) as a mentor and educator is one of the effective factors in educating human beings, because it has an effective role in attaining happiness and final perfection. The low rank of this mercy is manifested in the blessed existence of the Holy Prophet (s). When it comes to educating human beings, one of the factors being instrumental in the educator's success is kindness and mercy, and in this regard, one of the factors for the success of the Prophet (s) in educating people is his good character and exemplary mercy.According to verses and hadiths, the attribute of "mercy for the worlds" alludes to the fact that the Prophet (s) is a mercy to all the worlds and beings, including human beings. In other words, the mercy of the worlds means the Prophet (s) is gracious to the universe as well as to the material and the supernatural worlds. The prerequisite for enjoying this mercy is communication with the Prophet in the form of prayer and supplication. This relationship is approved only when it is accepted by Allah through the grace of the Prophet and his holy family. As a result, it can be said that the connection with the family of the Prophet, who is a manifestation of divine mercy, provides the conditions for human happiness and education in various dimensions.