Hadith #6957

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "Al-'afw zaynul qudrati." This Hadith can be translated as,

Forgiveness is the ornament of power.

Let us delve into the profound meanings of this statement in light of the Quran.

The word "al-'afw" in Arabic refers to forgiveness, pardoning, or overlooking someone's faults or mistakes. It is an act of mercy and compassion that reflects the noble character of a person. The term "zayn" means adornment or decoration, while "qudrati" refers to power or strength. Therefore, this Hadith highlights the idea that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, but rather a beautiful attribute that enhances one's strength and power.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in numerous verses. For instance, in Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves [by transgression], remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins - and who can forgive sins except Allah? - and [who] do not persist in what they have done while they know.

This verse highlights the significance of seeking forgiveness from Allah for our sins and wrongdoings.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse encourages believers to pardon and overlook the faults of others, reminding them of Allah's forgiveness and mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the profound connection between forgiveness and power. It teaches us that true strength lies not in seeking revenge or holding grudges, but in forgiving others and letting go of resentment. When we forgive, we rise above our ego and negative emotions, demonstrating our ability to control our desires and exercise self-restraint.

Forgiveness also has transformative effects on relationships and society. When we forgive others, we create an atmosphere of harmony, unity, and compassion. It fosters reconciliation and allows for personal growth and development. By forgiving, we break the cycle of hatred and revenge, paving the way for healing and peace.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) exemplified this quality throughout his life. His knowledge and wisdom enabled him to forgive those who wronged him, even in the most challenging circumstances. For instance, during the Battle of Jamal, when faced with the opportunity to seek revenge against those who had fought against him, he chose forgiveness and reconciliation instead. This act of forgiveness not only displayed his strength and power but also set an example for Muslims to follow.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but rather an adornment of power. It is a quality that reflects our ability to rise above our ego, control our desires, and create an atmosphere of harmony and compassion. By forgiving others, we break the cycle of hatred and revenge, fostering healing and peace within ourselves and society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody the virtue of forgiveness in our lives.