The Prophet’s Emphasis on Forgiveness
📖Sunan Abi Dawud 4497
Narrated Anas ibn Malik: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ when a case of dispute involving retaliation (qisas) was brought to him, except that he would always encourage forgiveness and remission.”
This hadith highlights the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ consistent preference for mercy and forgiveness over revenge or equal retaliation, even in serious matters like bodily harm where Islamic law allows equal retribution (qisas). Instead of insisting on strict justice, the Prophet ﷺ encouraged people to let go, pardon, and seek reward from Allah.
What We Learn from It Today:
- Forgiveness Over Revenge:
In a world obsessed with getting even, the Prophet ﷺ taught that letting go brings more reward. He encouraged forgiveness not as weakness, but as a higher spiritual strength. - Building a Compassionate Society:
Promoting mercy over retaliation reduces hostility, heals relationships, and creates more harmony in society. - Leadership with Compassion:
The Prophet ﷺ did not blindly enforce the law. He balanced justice with kindness, showing how leaders should prioritize reconciliation and peace over punishment. - Encouragement to Choose Jannah Over Ego:
Choosing to forgive in the face of anger or hurt isn’t easy, but it reflects someone who is seeking Allah’s pleasure, not personal satisfaction.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 42:40
The recompense for an injury is an injury equal to it. But if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah. Verily, He does not love the wrongdoers.
Justice is allowed, but mercy is better. Allah sees who causes harm and who chooses to reconcile.
📖Quran 24:22
Let them pardon and overlook. Do you not love that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
If we want Allah’s forgiveness, we must be willing to forgive others.
📖Quran 41:34
Good and evil are not equal. Repel [evil] with what is better, and your enemy will become as close as an intimate friend.
Forgiveness can turn an enemy into an ally, just as the Prophet ﷺ showed in his life.