Hadith #6898

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Hastening to forgive is from the morals of the honourable.

This Hadith emphasizes the virtue of forgiveness and highlights its significance in the character of noble individuals. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (mubadarah) "مُبادَرَةُ" in the Hadith refers to hastening or taking the initiative. It implies being proactive in forgiving others, rather than waiting for them to seek forgiveness. This proactive approach to forgiveness is a characteristic of the noble and virtuous individuals. The word (afw) "عَفْوِ" means forgiveness, pardoning, or overlooking someone's faults. It entails letting go of resentment and granting mercy to others.

The Quran emphasizes the importance 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 significance of forgiving others as an act of righteousness and a means of earning Allah's love.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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 Muslims to forgive and overlook the faults of others, reminding them of the immense reward and mercy that Allah bestows upon those who forgive.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the moral obligation of hastening to forgive. It encourages Muslims to adopt forgiveness as a fundamental aspect of their character. By forgiving others, we emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who were known for their forgiveness and mercy.

Forgiveness has profound implications in our lives. It fosters harmony, reconciliation, and unity within families, communities, and societies. When we forgive others, we break the cycle of resentment and animosity, paving the way for healing and growth. Forgiveness also purifies our hearts and strengthens our relationship with Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It is a means of seeking His pleasure and attaining spiritual elevation.

By hastening to forgive, we demonstrate humility and selflessness. We let go of our ego and prioritize the well-being of others. This act of kindness and magnanimity reflects the depth of our faith and our commitment to following the teachings of Islam. It is a manifestation of our love for Allah and our desire to emulate the noble examples set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his family.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of hastening to forgive as a moral virtue of the honorable. It reminds us of the Quranic teachings that emphasize forgiveness as a means of earning Allah's love and mercy. By forgiving others, we not only purify our hearts but also contribute to the betterment of our relationships and society as a whole. May Allah grant us the strength and wisdom to embody this noble trait of forgiveness in our lives.