Forgiveness and Mercy
This moral virtue is inherently good and praiseworthy and also has positive effects on one’s mind and soul.
It is much better than taking revenge because revenge does not make up for the loss but forgiveness increases one’s capacity and tolerance in life.
Many people hide hatred and spite in their hearts and are always waiting for a day when they can achieve victory over their enemy and take revenge. They want to respond to an evil with not one but several evils and some even boast about doing this and that to the enemy.
God, in the Holy Quran, orders His Prophet (PBUH) to have forgiveness and mercy:
“Have forgiveness, order with fine jurisprudence, and keep away from the ignorant ones.” (Verse 199 of Surah Al-A’raf)
These three orders are from God to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as the great leader of the society. The first order underlines the importance of forgiveness and mercy. The second one indicates that the Prophet (PBUH) should not want from people what is beyond their ability and the third command is about keeping away from ignorant people.
True leaders on the path of God and guiding people and reforming the society always face prejudiced and ignorant people who cause various kinds of troubles. This verse and some other verses of the Quran urge the Prophet (PBUH) not to get into disputes with them. Experience shows that the best way to deal with them is ignoring what they do.
There is a Hadith based on which when this verse was revealed, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) asked Angel Gabriel what it means and what he should do. Gabriel said he did not know either and went to God to ask about it. When he returned, he said God orders you to forgive those who have done injustice to you and give to those who have deprived you and be kind to those who have left you.
In another verse of the Quran, God offers a motivation for forgiveness and says if you want to be forgiven by God, you should forgive His servant: “However, if you would pardon, ignore and forgive, know that God is All-forgiving and All-merciful.” (Verse 14 of Surah At-Taghabun)
Without forgiveness and mercy in family and society, and if anyone wants to take revenge for whatever wrong is done to them, the society and family will turn into an unbearable environment where no one has security and peace.
It should be noted here that the Quran also stresses not remaining indifferent to injustice and oppression. In other words, it is not the Quran’s command to forgive and ignore all the time and in all situations.
