Forgiveness

by Steven Malik Shelton

''Let them forgive and show indulgence, so that Allah may forgive you. For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.'' {24: 22 Al-Qur'an}

''Those who spend freely, whether in prosperity, or on adversity; who restrain anger, and  pardon all men;- for Allah loves those who do good.'' {3: 134 Al- Qur'an}

To forgive is not always easy. Sometimes it appears to be more expedient to hold grudges and to harbor animosity and resentments in our hearts for a perceived wrong. And often times we become so caught up in the wrongs that others have done to us, that we forget the wrongs that we have done to others. Everyone wants to be forgiven, but few are willing to forgive.

The conduct of prophet Muhammad [p.b.u.h.] is the best example for us to follow in every sphere of our lives. We, as Muslims, should strive to emulate the sublime example set forth- not just for the Arabs, or the Chinese, or the Africans or the Caucasians, etc. but for the benefit of the entire human family.

In the lifetime of prophet Muhammad, he experienced personal attacks, he suffered insults, and he endured trials and tribulations far in excess of those experienced by any of us; yet the prophet was forgiving, and he was merciful.

I am reminded of the early years of the prophet's mission. He and the muslim community were starved, mocked, and ridiculed. During this period many of his closest friends and companions were beaten, tortured, and murdered by the unbelievers of Mecca. Even the Prophet's beloved wife Khadijah, was adversely affected because of the boycotts and other abuses heaped upon the muslims; and it is reported that this contributed to her failing health and subsequent death.

Years later the prophet returned to Mecca with a large army of muslims and overwhelmed the city. The prophet called all the inhabitants of Mecca together before him and asked them, 'What do you think I should do to you?' Among the Meccans were many individuals that were responsible for causing the prophet much pain and heartache, so they lowered their heads in fear and in shame.. Yet the prophet did not seek revenge. He forgave them and told them, ''Go in peace, fear Allah, and be righteous.''

On another occasion it is reported that the prophet had fallen asleep under a tree and an unbeliever snatched his sword away and said to him,''If I was to attack you, who would save you?'' The prophet looked the man in the eyes and said without a trace of fear,''Allah will protect me.'' The man was so moved by the prophet that he dropped his sword. Some of the prophet's companions arrived at the scene and captured the man, but the prophet ordered that he be freed unharmed. Later, the man went about telling others, ''By God, the man they call Muhammed is none other than a prophet.''

It is very difficult to be progressive, devout, and striving muslims if we are constantly looking back to some misfortune, insult, or wrong that we perceive was committed against us, and that we fuel like a raging flame.  There is an old African proverb that says: The person who dwells too much on the past, walks into the future backwards.

We must forgive, go forward and onward, and put our faith in Allah.

Allah most High gives us signs in the universe, as well as signs in our bodies to give us knowledge, insight and understanding. ''Verily, in the alternation of the Night and the Day, and in all that Allah has created in the heavens and the earth, are Signs for those who fear Him.''{10:6 Al Qur'an}

Allah designed our bodies for forward progression. Our eyes are structured in our heads for forward perception, and our legs and feet are fashioned for onward movement; we can run forward faster, safer, and more gracefully than we can backward. Our mouths and our noses were constructed in the front of our heads not in the back.

We should always be mindful that our tenure here on earth is very short. We are in a race against time, in which we should believe and obey God; and in which we should not only avoid evil, but be actively involved in doing good. If we waste our precious time, resources, and talents ensnared in seeking revenge, or stewing in bitterness, hatred, and despair; we will do so  {quite possibly} at the expense of our salvation.

Allah is Forgiving, so we should be forgiving. Allah is Kind, so we too should be kind. Allah is Benevolent, so we also should be benevolent. Allah is Merciful, so we should cultivate mercy. Allah is Loving, therefore we should be loving to others.

In Webster's American college dictionary, love is described as ''the benevolent {or beneficial} affection of God for His creatures.''  And benevolent is defined as ''the desire to do good for others; goodwill.''

This is revealing because at the beginning of every chapter {surah} of the  Holy Quran, except the ninth, Allah is described as the most gracious, the most beneficent.

The definition of graciousness is ''to to show grace or favor; kind benevolent.'' All of these are different ways of conveying or describing love.

In Webster's dictionary, mercy is defined as ''compassionate, kindly compassion or benevolence.'' Also '' an act of compassion or favor or benevolence of God toward His creatures.''

The beautiful and noble qualities of beneficence, kindness, graciousness, mercy, and forgiveness are all described as essential ingredients of love.

They are integral colors in the myriad kaleidoscope of Allah's Love; and they are consistently mentioned throughout the Holy Qur'an.

 ''It is part of the Mercy of Allah that you deal gently with them. If you

  were severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from you:

  so pass over their faults, and ask for Allah's forgiveness for them; and

  consult them in affairs of moment. Then, when you have taken a decision,

  put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.''  

                                                                           {3: 159 Al Qur'an}