Forgiveness is one of those ideals that is easy to talk about but difficult to put into practice. Everyday there is something that upsets us or causes us to take offense. It is inevitable. However, no matter how great the harm done, we must always remember to forgive.
The Prophet (S) exemplifies this practice when he tells his followers,
"God had ordered me to maintain ties with those who sever ties with me, and to give to those who deprive me, and to forgive those who oppress me".
No one today can say that they endured as much pain, humiliation, and insult as Rasulullah (S) did when he created this ummah. Yet, he never held a grudge against any of his offendors. Instead, he prayed for them; prayed that Allah (swt) guide them and forgive their wrongdoings. Even if there was a situation in which he was struggling to pardon another, his first prayer would be that Allah (swt) instill in him the strength necessary to do so. SubhanAllah.
The Prophet (S) exemplifies this practice when he tells his followers,
"God had ordered me to maintain ties with those who sever ties with me, and to give to those who deprive me, and to forgive those who oppress me".
No one today can say that they endured as much pain, humiliation, and insult as Rasulullah (S) did when he created this ummah. Yet, he never held a grudge against any of his offendors. Instead, he prayed for them; prayed that Allah (swt) guide them and forgive their wrongdoings. Even if there was a situation in which he was struggling to pardon another, his first prayer would be that Allah (swt) instill in him the strength necessary to do so. SubhanAllah.
It is natural to feel hurt when a wrong is done to you. Your initial impulse will be to retaliate or seek revenge, but the outcome of such actions is rarely good. It is far easier to forgive and forget than it is to hold on to a grudge. Forgivness means untying that knot in your heart and pardoning the one who put it there. And beyond that, it means maintaining your relationship with that person and praying for their well being.
Now remember, life is a two way street. You cannot expect forgiveness if you refuse to forgive. "Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy" (Al-Bukhari). There will be times when you are the one who is in the wrong. Those are the moments you must overcome your ego and make amends. If you are sincere, your apology will be accepted.
Insha'Allah this week, let us try to forgive all offenses.
For more on forgiveness, read the following article:
http://www.suhaibwebb.com/ummah/forgiveness-and-tolerance-in-islam/
Now remember, life is a two way street. You cannot expect forgiveness if you refuse to forgive. "Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy" (Al-Bukhari). There will be times when you are the one who is in the wrong. Those are the moments you must overcome your ego and make amends. If you are sincere, your apology will be accepted.
Insha'Allah this week, let us try to forgive all offenses.
For more on forgiveness, read the following article:
http://www.suhaibwebb.com/ummah/forgiveness-and-tolerance-in-islam/