Hadith #6911

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be 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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العفو عنوان النبل" which translates to

Forgiveness is the symbol of nobility.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance and virtue of forgiveness in Islam.

The word (afw) "عفو" in Arabic refers to forgiveness, pardon, or overlooking someone's faults or mistakes. It is an act of letting go of resentment, anger, or revenge towards those who have wronged us. The word (unwan) "عنوان" means symbol or emblem, indicating that forgiveness is not only a noble trait but also a defining characteristic of a person's nobility.

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

Those who spend [in Allah's cause] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the connection between forgiveness and righteousness. Those who forgive others, even when they have the power to retaliate, are praised by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is an act of self-restraint and a demonstration of one's faith and piety.

Another verse that supports the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is found in Surah Ash-Shura (42:40):

And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.

This verse emphasizes that forgiveness is not only a noble act but also a means of seeking Allah's reward. It encourages Muslims to respond to evil with goodness and to strive for reconciliation rather than seeking revenge. By doing so, one earns the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds great wisdom and practicality. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness or ignorance, but rather a manifestation of strength, wisdom, and nobility. When we forgive others, we free ourselves from the burden of anger and resentment, allowing us to move forward and maintain healthy relationships.

Moreover, forgiveness has far-reaching consequences. It promotes harmony, unity, and peace within families, communities, and societies. It fosters an environment of compassion, understanding, and empathy, which is essential for the well-being and progress of any community.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, exemplified forgiveness in his own life. Despite facing numerous betrayals and injustices, he forgave those who wronged him and sought reconciliation whenever possible. His forgiveness towards his enemies, such as the forgiveness he showed towards the killer of his son, demonstrates his noble character and adherence to the teachings of Islam.

As Muslims, we should strive to embody the virtue of forgiveness in our lives. We should forgive others for their mistakes, seek reconciliation, and let go of grudges. By doing so, we not only follow the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), but also fulfill the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to forgive and be forgiven, and may He bless us with the nobility of character that comes from embracing forgiveness.