Hadith #6946

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

أحْسَنُ أفْعالِ المُقْتَدِرِ العَفْوُ۔

This can be translated as,

The best act of a person in power is to forgive.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (ahsanu) "أحْسَنُ" means the best, the most excellent, or the most beautiful. It signifies an action that is not only good but goes beyond that, reaching the pinnacle of perfection. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of forgiveness as the most excellent act for a person in a position of power.

The word (af'al) "أفْعالِ" refers to actions or deeds. It encompasses all the actions that a person can undertake, whether physical, verbal, or even internal. Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of forgiveness as the most virtuous action that a person in power can engage in.

The word (al-muqtadir) "المُقْتَدِرِ" refers to someone who possesses power, authority, or control. It can refer to a ruler, a leader, or anyone who holds a position of influence. In this Hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) specifically addresses those in positions of power and reminds them of the importance of forgiveness.

To understand the significance of forgiveness, we turn to the Quran, where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtues of forgiveness. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

And those who, when they commit an immorality or wrong themselves, 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 importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah and not persisting in wrongdoing.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah says,

Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to 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) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. Forgiveness is not only a noble act but also a reflection of the divine attributes of mercy and compassion. When a person in power forgives, they demonstrate their ability to rise above personal grievances and extend mercy to others. This act not only benefits the individual being forgiven but also fosters a culture of forgiveness and reconciliation within society.

Moreover, forgiveness has far-reaching consequences. It promotes unity, harmony, and peace among individuals and communities. It allows for the healing of wounds and the restoration of relationships. By forgiving, a person in power sets an example for others to follow, inspiring them to adopt forgiveness as a virtue in their own lives.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the significance of forgiveness as the best act for a person in power. His words serve as a reminder to Muslims, regardless of their sect, that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but rather a manifestation of strength and righteousness. It is a means to attain closeness to Allah and to emulate His divine attributes.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that forgiveness is the most excellent act for a person in power. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize seeking forgiveness from Allah and pardoning others. Forgiveness has profound consequences, fostering unity, harmony, and peace within society. Let us strive to embody this virtue in our lives, following the example set by Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) through acts of forgiveness.