Hadith #6965

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Peace and blessings 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,

إذا جُنِيَ عَلَيْكَ فَاغْتَفِرْ۔

This can be translated as,

When a wrong is done to you, then forgive.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the importance of forgiveness in Islam, especially when faced with injustices or wrongdoings.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The word (juniya) "جُنِيَ" refers to being wronged or oppressed. It implies being subjected to harm, injustice, or mistreatment. The word (ightarif) "اغْتَفِرْ" means to forgive or pardon. It signifies letting go of resentment, anger, and seeking reconciliation.

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

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 importance of restraining anger and forgiving others, as it is an act of righteousness that is beloved to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah Ash-Shura (42:40), 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 Zalimun (oppressors, wrongdoers).

This verse teaches us that forgiveness and reconciliation are not only virtuous acts but also lead to a greater reward from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement urges Muslims to adopt forgiveness as a response to being wronged. It encourages us to rise above our ego and emotions, and instead, choose forgiveness as a means of resolving conflicts and maintaining harmony within society. By forgiving others, we emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt, who forgave even their harshest enemies.

Forgiveness has profound consequences and benefits for both the individual and society. On a personal level, forgiving others brings inner peace, tranquility, and spiritual growth. It frees us from the burden of grudges and allows us to focus on our own self-improvement. Moreover, forgiveness fosters empathy, compassion, and understanding, leading to stronger relationships and a more harmonious community.

In the context of social justice, forgiveness can be a transformative force. It has the power to break the cycle of violence and revenge, promoting healing and reconciliation. By forgiving those who have wronged us, we contribute to the creation of a just and compassionate society, where conflicts are resolved peacefully and individuals are given the opportunity to reform and seek forgiveness themselves.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) impactful Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but rather a manifestation of strength and wisdom. It is an act of mercy and compassion that aligns with the teachings of the Quran and the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of forgiveness when faced with wrongdoings. It encourages us to emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt by forgiving others and seeking reconciliation. By doing so, we not only attain personal growth and inner peace but also contribute to the establishment of a just and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to forgive others and seek forgiveness ourselves.