The Message Behind Forgiveness

Do you find it difficult to forgive someone? If you realize the importance of forgiveness in Islam, it would no longer be difficult for you to adopt this virtue. This article explores the message behind forgiveness and its value in Islam.

Meaning of Forgiveness in Islam

Forgiveness is letting go of hostility towards someone who has wronged you. It is a very difficult thing which many of us struggle in. However, carrying a grudge against someone is also not easy. It makes a person feel unhappy. Once you forgive someone you fee lighter.

Forgiveness does not mean being careless. Even if you forgive someone, you must be careful with such people, so that they do not hurt you in future. Islam highly advocates forgiveness, but it also gives absolute right to the people to protect themselves against those who can harm.

Why Should We Adopt This Virtue?

Forgiveness is one of the most emphasized virtues in Islam. It is an attribute of Allah. Islam teaches peace and harmony. Here are some reasons why forgiveness is important in Islam.

Gain Allah’s Favor

Allah reminds the believers in the Quran that he is Al-Ghafoor, Al-Raheem, the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful. Hence, those who forgive people gain Allah’s favor as this is Allah’s characteristic. Allah rewards them, forgives them, and makes things easier for them.

Lead a Peaceful Life

A person who holds grudges leads a stressful life. He is always pensive. Negativity engulfs him. Such a person cannot lead a stable life.  On the contrary, someone who is forgiving, has a clean and peaceful heart. He sleeps without worry. His mental and physical health is also sound as he does not carry any burden. His positive aura attracts people.

Follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The importance of forgiving in Islam is evident from the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). When the pagans of Taif hurled stones at him, he prayed to Allah for their forgiveness. When he led the conquest of Makkah, he pardoned his worst enemies. These examples, and many others indicate why we must forgive people. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), for whom Allah created this world, could forgive people and pray for their guidance, why cannot we? It was his merciful and forgiving behavor that attracted people towards Islam.

Strenghten Faith

Allah created this world as attesting place for the Hereafter. He puts us into situations to test our faith and conviction. Those who are forgiving strengthen their connection with Allah. Their hearts are at ease and their souls are pure. They realize that this world is temporary and holding a grudge against someone does no benefit. Rather, forgiving others for the sake of Allah will earn huge benefit on the Day of Judgement when we will be desperate for good deeds.

Strenghten Social Ties

When people forgive each other, they spread love, brotherhood, and happiness. Allah loves it when people maintain social ties. Everyone makes mistakes. Nobody is perfect. A progressive society is where people live in harmony and ignore each other’s mistakes. We should be tolerant and forgiving so that people can co-exist in a thriving society.

Set a Good Example

Today’s world might seem highly progressive and advanced in many ways. Unfortunately, in moral and ethical values, people seem to be going backwards. It is very important to display exemplary moral behavior. When we are forgiving, we set good example for our children to follow. We should tell them stories about situations where we forgave someone who had wronged us. We should motivate them by telling how good things happened to us after that, by the grace of Allah.

Forgiveness in the Light of Quran and Ahadith

Allah encourages Muslims to be forgiving. According to the Holy Quran,

“…and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Quran 24:22]

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also commanded Muslims to be forgiving towards each other. He strongly condemned those who nurtured enmity against the other.

“The gates of Paradise will be opened on Mondays and Thursdays, and every servant who associates nothing with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who has a grudge against his brother. It will be said: Delay these two until they are reconciled; delay these two until they are reconciled.” [Muslim, Malik and Abu Dawud]

To Conclude

By forgiving people, you set a morally and spiritually elevated character. Therefore, one must hasten in reconciling ties with those who are not in talking terms. Relieve your soul and forgive people to please Allah.