Thursday, 1 August 2013

Forgiveness-An Islamic virtue

Mercy and forgiveness are merits of Allah. Islam has attached great importance to the act of seeking forgiveness of sins from Allah. There are many duas thought by Prophet Muhammad and holy Quran for instance, "Pardon us, forgive us our sins, and have mercy upon us" (Quran 2/286).
No matter what our sins are we expect Allah to forgive us. The Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said, "My heart is clouded until I have asked God’s forgiveness seventy times during the day and night.". The point here is that when we are expecting Allah to forgive us then when it comes on us to do the same for someone then why do we hesitate and our heart hardens. Forgiveness is an Allah’s trait and his servants should acquire the same trait. We are likewise to show mercy and forgiveness to our fellow men. (Quran 90/17) Since God is Himself forgiving, He desires that people should cultivate this attribute and show forgiveness to other human beings. (Quran 24/22; 64/14).
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught his followers that the individual, who pardons his enemy, even while having the power to extract revenge, will be nearest to God in the Hereafter. Once the Prophet (PBUH) was asked, "How many times are we to forgive our servants’ faults?" He remained silent. The questioner repeated his question. But the Prophet gave no answer. But when the person asked a third time, he said, "Forgive your servant seventy times a day."
A Muslim should forgive the mistakes and wrongs of his fellow human beings. Forgiveness is Allah quality and a believer should have this quality too.

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