Hadith #6909

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 Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "العفو زكاة الظفر" which translates to

Forgiveness is the charity of triumph.

This thought-provoking Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) holds great significance and provides us with valuable insights into the concept of forgiveness in Islam.

Let us first delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. (al-'afw) "العفو" refers to forgiveness, pardon, or overlooking someone's faults and mistakes. It is an act of letting go of resentment and granting mercy to others. (zakat) "زكاة" is commonly understood as a form of obligatory charity in Islam. It is a means of purifying one's wealth and giving a portion of it to those in need. (adh-dhafar) "الظفر" can be translated as triumph or victory, indicating a state of accomplishment or success.

To understand the impactful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in numerous verses. 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 for our own wrongdoings.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages believers to forgive others, stating,

And let not those of virtue among you and wealth swear not to give [aid] to their relatives and the needy and the emigrants for the cause of Allah, and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiving others and extending our help to those in need.

Now, let us reflect on the enlightening message of Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement. Forgiveness is not only an act of mercy towards others but also a means of achieving triumph and success. When we forgive others, we let go of grudges and resentments, freeing ourselves from the burden of negative emotions. This act of forgiveness purifies our hearts and souls, just like the act of giving charity purifies our wealth.

By forgiving others, we emulate the qualities of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), who is the Most Forgiving and Merciful. It is through forgiveness that we can attain spiritual growth and closeness to Allah. Moreover, forgiveness fosters unity and harmony within the Muslim community, strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to prioritize forgiveness in their lives. It encourages us to let go of grudges, reconcile with others, and seek forgiveness from Allah for our own shortcomings. By practicing forgiveness, we not only purify our hearts but also contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that forgiveness is not only an act of mercy but also a means of achieving triumph and success. It reminds us of the importance of seeking forgiveness from Allah and forgiving others. Let us strive to embody the qualities of forgiveness in our lives, purifying our hearts and contributing to a more harmonious and compassionate society. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to forgive and seek forgiveness.