Forgiveness in Islam

by Um-e-Usman

Bismillah

February was a dedicated month for love almost globally, at least for the first fortnight. People were in LOVE! Hearts, red roses, chocolates and acknowledgement of our love and care for those around us.

And then there is the other side of the picture; the grimmer side where the love is forgotten. Sometimes, people make mistakes. What follows is the messy mix of anger, tears, screams, blame game and sometimes broken hearts and relationships. We all are prone to error, breaking promises or forgetting special occasions. We have all been there and pleaded to Allah silently in our hearts for the other person to forgive and forget. But when we are wounded, we want the whole drama with it and the diva treatment as well.

If we do not forgive someone who wronged us, how can we expect Allah to forgive us on the Day of Judgement. Forgiving another person who has caused any type of harm is one of the bravest things we can do. It makes us more humble and stronger against shaytan’s plots. Forgiveness is one of the virtues which will help elevate our status in Jannah inshaAllah. Qur’an says :

The reward of the evil is the evil thereof, but whosoever forgives and makes amends, 
his reward is upon Allah. (42:40) 

To forgive someone who has hurt us is not an easy task, but it definitely liberates one’s soul! It makes us realize the inner peace which was missing from our lives because too much space was taken in our hearts by our spite for others!

The life of our Prophet sal Allahu alaihi wassalam and his companions radi Allahu anhum were filled with instances where they forgave people who not only caused them physical harm, but emotional pain as well!

For instance, Abu-Bakr radi Allahu anhu forgave Mistah, who was one the slanderers of his beloved daughter Ayesha radi Allahu anha. Mistah was the cousin of Abu-Bakr and he used to financially support the young man. When Abu Bakr radi Allahu anhu came to know of Mistah’s scandalous remarks about his daughter, he promised not to continue supporting him financially . But Allah reminded Abu-Bakr radi Allahu anhu,

Let not those among you who are endued with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want and those who migrated in the path of Allah. Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? 
Indeed Allah is oft-Forgiving, most Merciful. (24:22) 

Abu-Bakr radi Allahu anhu understood this message and not only resumed his help but increased it as well. 

This particular example highlights the characteristics of the companions of the Prophet Sal Allahu alayhi wasallam. Adults in the family permanently sever ties with their brothers and sisters just because of minor arguments. We have this great example of Abu Bakr radi Allahu anhu who not only forgave the slanderer of his pious daughter but also resumed helping him!

For a society to function properly, kindness plays a vital role. Forgiving others helps heal the wounds and restore relationships. Healthy relationships put down a stable foundation for a good moral society.

Let us try to make amends with each other. We all are humans and we all make mistakes. Do not get angry. Let us take that first step and be the braver person and ask for forgiveness first. Before victimizing ourselves, we should also look at our weaknesses and realize that other people have some too.

Let us all pray to Allah that He helps us become more humble and make our hearts softer for others and fill it with more emaan. Ameen!

I'd love to hear your views on this topic. Please post in the comments section below!

Posted in: Forgiveness,Love,Relationships,um-e-Usman,Understanding