Forgiveness

The Quran talks about and emphasizes forgiveness in a strong manner in many verses. In fact, a verse dealing with the First Commandment states:

Lã Elãha Ellã Allãh:

You shall know that: “There is no other god beside God,” and ask forgiveness of your sins and the sins of all believing men and women. God is fully aware of your decisions and your ultimate destiny. (47:19)

Forgiveness can liberate an individual from resentment and promote inner peace. We need to let go of grudges and thereby find a more positive outlook on life. Some people even say that when you forgive others, you forgive yourself because of the understanding that all human beings make mistakes: You are the best community ever raised among the people: you advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and you believe in God. If the followers of the scripture believed, it would be better for them. Some of them do believe, but the majority of them are wicked. (3:110)

God also tells us: Resorting to patience and forgiveness reflects a true strength of character. (42:43)

 

Forgiveness demonstrates strength. It has been said that a weak person cannot forgive.

Forgiveness with kindness, compassion and mercy are key attributes of our Almighty Creator. He is the Most Merciful. He has given us this final chance to ask for forgiveness and to redeem our souls: The higher ranks come from Him, as well as forgiveness and mercy. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful. (4:96)

You shall implore God for forgiveness. God is Forgiver, Most Merciful. (4:106)

Some people bring out the best in you and show you kindness and compassion, while some bring out the worst in you. Since God is in control of everything, perhaps He placed them in your life to teach you patience and forgiveness and how not to treat others as they have treated you.

I need to keep learning through all stages of my life. I want to become a peaceful person. Forgiveness can rid me of negativity, jealousy, and sorrow. If I don’t forgive someone, then I am carrying a grudge and giving that person too much importance in my life.

I become trapped in ego, pride and hate. It has become a disease. On the other hand, when I forgive someone, God allows me to unload that burden from my back. God blesses me: Did we not cool your temper? And we unloaded your load (of sins). One that burdened your back. We exalted you to an honorable position. With pain there is gain. Indeed, with pain there is gain. Whenever possible you shall strive. Seeking only your Lord. (94:1-8)

So, I need to be forgiving and always pray for God to forgive me: At dawn, they prayed for forgiveness. (51:18)

Say, “My Lord, shower us with forgiveness and mercy. Of all the merciful ones, You are the Most Merciful.” (23:118)

You shall glorify and praise your Lord, and implore Him for forgiveness. He is the Redeemer. (110:3)

Lisa

This is an excerpt from Lifting the Veil: Women’s Rights, the Quran and Islam by Lisa Spray. God willing, this powerful book will soon be available through Amazon.