Hadith #6956

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 pure and noble Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العفو أفضل الإحسان" which translates to

Forgiveness is the best good deed.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance and superiority of forgiveness in the realm of good deeds.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-'afw) "العفو" refers to forgiveness, pardoning, or letting go of a wrongdoing. It encompasses the act of overlooking someone's faults, offenses, or mistakes, and choosing not to hold any grudges or seek revenge. (afdal) "أفضل" means the best or the most superior, indicating that forgiveness surpasses all other acts of kindness and goodness. (al-ihsan) "الإحسان" refers to acts of benevolence, excellence, or doing good to others with sincerity and perfection.

The Quranic verses beautifully emphasize the virtue of forgiveness and its superiority as a good deed. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

Those who spend [in the cause of Allah] 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 spending in the cause of Allah, indicating that forgiveness is an act of goodness that is beloved to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura (42:40-43), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof; but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah. Verily, He likes not the wrongdoers. And indeed whosoever takes revenge after he has suffered wrong, for such there is no way (of blame) against them. The way (of blame) is only against those who oppress men and wrongly rebel in the earth without justification; for such there will be a painful torment.

These verses emphasize that forgiveness is not only a virtuous act, but it also brings about numerous benefits and rewards. When we forgive others, we emulate the qualities of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) who is the Most Forgiving and the Most Merciful. By pardoning others, we release ourselves from the burden of anger and resentment, and we create an atmosphere of peace and harmony within our relationships and communities.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement holds immense wisdom and guidance for Muslims. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness, but rather a manifestation of strength and nobility. It requires a deep understanding of human nature, empathy, and a desire to maintain healthy relationships. When we forgive, we break the cycle of negativity and promote healing and growth.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) was known for his profound knowledge and wisdom, and his emphasis on forgiveness reflects his deep understanding of the teachings of Islam. He demonstrated forgiveness in his own life, even in the face of great adversity. For example, during the Battle of Jamal, when faced with the opportunity to seek revenge against those who had wronged him, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) chose forgiveness and reconciliation instead.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that forgiveness is not only a good deed, but it is the best of all good deeds. It is a virtue that is highly regarded in Islam and is supported by numerous Quranic verses. By forgiving others, we not only earn the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), but we also foster love, compassion, and unity within our communities. Let us strive to embody the noble quality of forgiveness and follow in the footsteps of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to forgive and seek forgiveness.