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Lesson 31: The Pleasure Of Forgiveness

Tradition

"إذا قَدَرْتَ عَلى عَدُوِّكَ فَاجْعَلِ الْعَفْوَ شُكْراً لِلقُدْرَةِ عَلَيْهِ"

The Prophet (S) is narrated to have said: “When you become victorious over your enemy, make forgiveness and pardon the tax that is due upon such a victory.”1

Brief Commentary

From the Islamic perspective, every blessing has its own kind of tax and this is something which applies to every blessing which God has given to us. In line with this concept, the tax of power is forgiveness and pardon. Such a tax becomes due when the heart of the enemy is purified from the hatred and animosity that he previously held. When the original root of that opposition is eliminated, then that is the time when the tax must be paid.

When this forgiveness is freely given, you will see the same person who hated you yesterday has suddenly become your closest friend and ally. It is at this time that true victory has been achieved, where one is victorious both in the physical realm, as well as the inner and unseen realms. At the same time, those who quickly seek out revenge are not only deprived of this great virtue, but they also put their victory in danger as well.

  • 1. From the book The Words of Muhammad (s).