Hadith #6947

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

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

Of all people, the most behoving of [granting] forgiveness is the one who has the greatest power to punish.

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of forgiveness and highlights the importance of exercising restraint and mercy, especially for those in positions of authority or power.

Let us delve deeper into the key words of this Hadith. The word (awla) "أوْلَى" refers to the one who is most deserving or most behoving of something. In this context, it signifies the person who is most deserving of granting forgiveness. The word (annas) "النّاسِ" means "people" or "humanity" in general. (bil-'afwi) "بِالعَفْوِ" translates to "forgiveness," which entails pardoning and letting go of grievances. Finally, (aqraruhum 'ala al-'uqubati) "أقْدَرُهُمْ عَلَى العُقُوبَةِ" means

the one who has the greatest power to punish.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the virtue of forgiveness and mercy. 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 significance of seeking forgiveness from Allah, who alone possesses the power to forgive sins.

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

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 the mercy and forgiveness they hope to receive from Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith aligns perfectly with these Quranic teachings. It emphasizes that the one who possesses the greatest power to punish should be the most inclined towards forgiveness. This is because forgiveness demonstrates strength, wisdom, and compassion. By forgiving others, especially when they have wronged us, we exhibit self-control and rise above our base instincts.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself embodied this quality of forgiveness and mercy. His knowledge and understanding of the Quran allowed him to grasp the importance of forgiveness as a means of spiritual growth and societal harmony. He forgave his enemies, even those who had caused him immense pain and suffering, such as the assassin who mortally wounded him.

By forgiving others, we not only release ourselves from the burden of anger and resentment but also create an environment of compassion and understanding. This act of forgiveness can inspire others to reflect upon their actions and seek redemption. It fosters unity and reconciliation among individuals and communities.

On the other hand, if those in positions of power choose to exercise their authority solely for punishment and revenge, it can lead to a cycle of violence and perpetuate a culture of hostility. By recognizing the power they hold and utilizing it to forgive, they can break this cycle and pave the way for healing and growth.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that the most deserving of granting forgiveness is the one who possesses the greatest power to punish. This Hadith aligns with the Quranic teachings that emphasize the virtues of forgiveness and mercy. By forgiving others, we demonstrate strength, wisdom, and compassion, and create an environment conducive to personal and societal growth. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to forgive and seek forgiveness, and may He shower His mercy upon us all.