Forgiveness is a powerful virtue that mends relationships, heals hearts, and brings peace to society. In Islam, forgiveness is not just an act of kindness but a divine command that carries immense rewards. Allah and the Prophet (PBUH) mention in various places the importance of pardoning others.
In the vast moral landscape of Islam, forgiveness stands out as a core virtue that not only reflects personal strength but also draws immense reward from Allah. In both the Quran and hadith, we can see the importance of forgiving others, and it shows how it leads to divine favor and inner peace.
What is forgiveness?
Forgiveness is the act of releasing resentment or anger towards anybody who has harmed you. It’s not a sign of weakness but a sign of emotional maturity and spiritual strength. As Muslims, we believe forgiveness is a form of worship that reflects our hope for Allah’s mercy. As a believer, when we forgive, we clean our hearts.
Forgiveness in Islam
Forgiveness in Islam is not merely recommended, but it is often encouraged. Allah describes Himself as Al-Ghafoor (The Most Forgiving) and Ar-Raheem (The Most Merciful). Muslims are taught to forgive others to maintain a balance in society.
“Those who spend in charity during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and pardon the people—and Allah loves the doers of good.” (Quran 3:134)
Importance of Forgiveness
Forgiveness plays a key role in personal life and maintaining a balance in society.
- Purifies the heart from grudges
- Strengthens relationships
- Brings inner peace
- Earns Allah’s mercy and forgiveness
“The strong person is not the one who overcomes others by strength, but the one who controls himself while in anger.” Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 6114
Role of patience in forgiveness
Sabr is essential while forgiving anyone. The hardest part seems while forgiving, when someone is deeply hurt. Islam teaches us, combining sabr and forgiveness magnifies its value. In the Quran, Allah says:
“And whoever is patient and forgives – indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination.” (Surah Ash-Shura 42:43)
Forgiving someone who hurt you requires patience and trust in Allah’s wisdom, and the reward for such patience and trust is huge.
Forgiveness on the day of judgment
On the day of judgement, everyone will ask for Allah’s forgiveness. We must show mercy to Allah’s creation when we are looking for Allah’s mercy. One of the greatest incentives to forgive in Islam is the promise of divine forgiveness on the Day of Judgment. Prophet (SAW) says:
“The merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth, and the One above the heavens will have mercy upon you.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)
Forgiveness is the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW)
Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) was the perfect example of forgiveness for all of us. Despite insults and physical harm many times, he chose to pardon his enemies. He pardoned the people of Makkah after its conquest, and it was the best example of forgiveness:
“اذْهَبُوا فَأَنْتُمُ الطُّلَقَاءُ”
“Go, for you are free.”
(Ibn Hisham, As-Sirah an-Nabawiyyah, Vol. 4)
Hadith about forgiveness
There are many hadiths that show the importance of forgiveness in Islam. Some of them are below:
“O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind.” (Tirmidhi)
Another hadith above forgiveness in Islam:
“Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Prophet (SAW) says:
“Shall I not inform you of something more excellent in degree than fasting, prayer, and charity? Making peace between one another, for enmity and malice tear up heavenly rewards by the roots.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)
Quran verses about forgiving others
The verses of the Quran also show the message of Allah related to forgiveness. Allah says in the Quran:
“Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah An-Nur 24:22)
The logic behind the verse is simple: if you want mercy, show some mercy.
Reward of forgiveness in Islam
The rewards for forgiving others are both worldly and eternal:
- Allah’s Forgiveness: Those who forgive will be forgiven by Allah.
- Elevation in Rank: Pardoning others increases one’s status in this life and the hereafter.
- Inner Peace: Letting go of grudges brings tranquility to the heart.
Protection from Hellfire: The Prophet (SAW) said that forgiving others can save one from divine punishment.