Hadith #6934

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise and thanks are due to Allah, the Lord of all the 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,

مِنَ الدّينِ التَّجاوُزُ عَنِ الجُرْمِ۔

This can be translated as,

Overlooking [another’s] offence is part of religion.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) in light of the Quranic teachings.

The word (tajawuz) "تَجَاوُزُ" in this Hadith means "overlooking" or "forgiving." It implies refraining from seeking revenge or holding grudges against someone who has wronged us. It is an act of mercy and compassion, reflecting the noble character of a true believer.

The word (al-jurm) "الجُرْمِ" refers to an offense or a wrongdoing. It encompasses any action or behavior that violates the rights of others or transgresses the boundaries set by Allah. It could be a physical harm, a verbal insult, or any form of injustice.

The Quranic teachings emphasize the importance of forgiveness and overlooking offenses. 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 virtue of restraining anger and pardoning others, which is an essential aspect of faith.

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

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 and reconciliation are highly valued by Allah, and those who choose this path will be rewarded by Him.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement highlights the significance of forgiveness and overlooking offenses as an integral part of our faith. It encourages Muslims to rise above their personal grievances and to prioritize harmony and unity within the community.

When we choose to overlook someone's offense, we display a higher level of moral character and emulate the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) himself demonstrated this quality throughout his life, even in the face of severe injustices and betrayals.

By forgiving and overlooking offenses, we foster an environment of compassion, understanding, and reconciliation. It allows us to build stronger relationships and promotes a sense of unity among Muslims. It also prevents the cycle of revenge and animosity from perpetuating, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious society.

However, it is important to note that overlooking offenses does not mean condoning or ignoring wrongdoing. It is not a call to disregard justice or allow oppression to prevail. Rather, it is a call to respond to offenses with wisdom, patience, and forgiveness, while still upholding the principles of justice and accountability.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of overlooking offenses as an integral part of our faith. It reminds us to emulate the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ) by forgiving and showing mercy to those who have wronged us. By doing so, we contribute to the creation of a more compassionate and harmonious society, in line with the teachings of the Quran. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to embody this beautiful aspect of our religion.