Ramadan : Heal Yourself Through Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a superior moral trait. One of the moral traits recommended in the Quran is forgiveness:

“Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; But turn away from the ignorant.” [Surah Al A’raf 7:199]

In another verse Allah commands:

“… let them forgive and overlook, do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Surah Al Nur 24:22]

Those who do not abide by the moral values of the Quran find it very difficult to forgive others. Because, they are easily angered by any error committed. However, Allah has advised the faithful that forgiveness is more proper:

“The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: for (Allah) loveth not those who do wrong.” [Surah Al Shura 42:40]

“… But if ye forgive and overlook, and cover up (their faults), verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Surah Al Taghabun 62:14]

It has also been revealed in the Quran that forgiveness is a superior moral trait: “But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs.” [Surah Al Shura 42:43] For that reason, believers are forgiving, compassionate and tolerant people who, as revealed in the Quran, “who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men;-…” [Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:134]

Believers’ notion of forgiveness is very different to that of those who do not live by the morals of the Quran. Even though many people may say they have forgiven someone who has offended them, it nevertheless takes a long time to free themselves of the hatred and anger in their hearts. Their behaviour tends to betray that anger. On the other hand, the forgiveness of believers is sincere. Because believers know that human beings are tried in this world, and learn by their mistakes, they are tolerant and compassionate. Moreover, believers are also capable of forgiveness even when they are in the right, and the other in the wrong. When forgiving, they make no distinction between large errors and small ones. Someone may cause severe losses to them by mistake. However, believers know that everything takes place under the command of Allah, and according to a specific destiny, and therefore, they surrender themselves to these developments, never acquiescing to anger.

Available research shows that anger is a state of mind that seriously damages human health. Forgiveness, on the other hand, even if it comes hard to people, is pleasing, an aspect of superior morals, that eliminates all the harmful effects of anger, and helps the individual to enjoy a healthy life, both psychologically and physically. Forgiveness, of course, is one of a form of behaviour by which a person can stay healthy, and a positive virtue everyone should live by. However, the true aim of forgiveness-as in all else-must be to please Allah. The fact that the features of this sort of morality, and that the benefits of which have been scientifically identified, have been revealed in many verses of the Quran, is just one of the many sources of wisdom it contains. Do not put off forgiveness; its Ramadan… the most ideal time to start following another moral trait as prescribed by Allah.