Forgiving in Ramadan

Forgiving is giving up your right to hate or hurt the person who hurt you. Hate hurts you physically, mentally and emotionally. Forgiveness gives you peace, tranquility and happiness.

Allah described the believers and said: "And those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, and when they are angry, they forgive." (Quran 42:37)

The Prophet (P) said: "It is not permissible for a Muslim to abandon his brother for more than three days, each of them turning away when they meet.The better of them is the one who gives the greeting of salaam first."

The Prophet (P) also said: "The gates of Paradise will be opened on Mondays and on Thursdays, and every servant of Allah who associates nothing with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who has a grudge against his brother. About them it will be said, 'Delay these two until they are reconciled. Delay these two until they are reconciled. Delay these two until they are reconciled.'"

Another hadeeth regarding forgiveness states that the Prophet (P), while sitting in the mosque with his Companions, pointed out a person who entered the mosque as being of those who would enter Jannah. He did this for 3 days, and every time, it was the same person who entered the mosque. Abdullah bin Amr (RA) wanted to know what quality this man possessed that made the Prophet (pbuh) say that about him, so he spent three nights with that man. He did not notice that the man prayed the optional night prayers during any of these nights, but if he woke up during the night, he would simply mention Allah. So before he left, he had to ask him what he did that was so special that the Prophet (P) identified him as a man of Jannah. The man replied: "My deeds are nothing more than what you saw, but the only thing I do is that I do not hold any grudge against any Muslim or envy anyone for what bounties Allah has granted them." Thereupon 'Abdullah Ibn Amr (RA) said to him: "This difficult quality to obtain is what granted you this rank."

When he entered the city of Makkah after the victory, the Prophet (P), had in front of him some of his staunchest enemies. Those who fought him for many years, persecuted his followers and killed many of them. Now he had full power to do whatever he wanted to punish them for their crimes. It is reported that the Prophet (P) asked them, "What do you think I shall do to you now?" They pleaded for mercy. "No blame on you today. Go, you are all free." Subhanallah, soon thereafter they all came and accepted Islam due to his huge act of mercy.

This Ramadan, let's try and forgive everyone who has hurt us. It shows strength, self confidence and a desire to be forgiven by Allah. Let us forgive our parents, spouse, relatives, friends, and co-workers.

During Ramadan, the doors of Allah's (SWT) mercy and forgiveness are open. How can we raise our hands and ask Allah for forgiveness but not be willing to forgive another human being? -islamicbulletin.org