LANALLAH __Islamic BlogZine_

LANALLAH __Islamic BlogZine__

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

FORGIVENESS

by Ml S Ravat--

There are many rights of Islamic brotherhood. One of them is forgiveness.

Allah Ta’aala describes the Muttaqin as those who have 4 distinct qualities:Those who spend in ease and adversity.Those who suppress their anger.Those who forgive people.

Not only are we required to forgive one another to be classified as Muttaqin we are further required to react to evil with kindness.

That’s why Allah further says in the verse “and Allah loves those who do good.” Nabi (S.A.W) has mentioned: “Join ties with he who breaks ties. Forgive the one who oppressed you and do good to the one who has done evil to you.

When we respond to evil with goodness it strengthens our brotherhood. That’s why Allah Ta’aala mentions: “Resist with that which is best. The one between yourself and whom there was enmity will instantly become your bosom friend.

Undoubtedly some of our brothers have caused us harm. They have hurt us deeply, but let us look at the Sunnah of Nabi (SAW) in this regard.

For 13 years he was on the receiving end of the persecutions of the Quraysh. When the Muslims were banished to Shïb Abi Talib and the food supply was cut off, the children’s screams of hunger could be heard in Makkah Mukarramah. Imagine seeing your young ones suffer like that, yet when Nabi (SAW) returned in a position of power as a conqueror, his Mubarak (blessed) head was lowered in humility to such an extent that it almost touched his chest. This was the perfect moment to avenge years of persecution and suffering, yet Nabi (SAW) chose to forgive without any conditions, echoing the statement of Yusuf (AS) to his brothers, “there shall be no blame on you today.”

With regards to this incident even the famous Historian Haykal was left astounded. He wrote regarding the conquest of Makkah “The army was ready to wipe out the people of Makkah on his command, God had given him power over his enemy, but Muhammad SAW chose to forgive, thereby giving to humankind and all generations the most perfect example of goodness truthfulness nobility and magnanimity.

Nabi SAW said to the Quraysh “no blame shall be on you today i.e. I have already forgiven you, now I won’t even blame you. Subhanallah!

Yusuf (AS) was separated from his father at a young age due to the actions of his brothers, he was accused of Zina and had to spend many years in jail. Yet, look at his forgiveness, not withstanding the fact that he was now in a position of authority. When he met his father he didn’t complain of his years of difficulty, he rather spoke about the favours of Allah upon him “He had truly been kind to me when he removed me from prison and brought you from the countryside after Shaytaan had caused trouble between my brothers and me.” Subhanallah! What humility he didn’t even mention the incident of the well. He didn’t want his brothers to feel embarrassed. None of us can claim to have suffered to such an extent. If these Ambiya could forgive then who are we?

Allah says “Pardon and forgive, do you not like Allah to forgive you?” Forgive and Seek forgiveness for the pleasure of Allah. Whether the opposite party appreciates or reciprocates is immaterial, you are exonerated in the court of Allah. “He who forgives and makes amends his reward is with Allah.”

Let’s settle our differences today. Let us forgive and seek forgiveness before the end of the day, irrespective of who is right, be the better person. Nabi SAW has said: It is not lawful for a Muslim to stop talking to another Muslim beyond 3 nights. When they meet, the one turns one way and the other one the other way. The better of the two is the one who greets the other first (Bukhari Muslim)

If we want acceptance in the court of Allah, let us reconcile our differences. If want forgiveness in the court of Allah lets forgive one another, otherwise our forgiveness is suspended in the court of Allah as Allah says to the Malaikah “Leave the affairs of these two people until they reconcile.”

¶ 10:18 PM