Hadith #6932

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 progeny, and his righteous companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and warns against seeking revenge. Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this impactful Hadith in light of the Quran.

The word (afwa) "عَفْوَ" in the Hadith refers to forgiveness, pardoning, and letting go of grievances. It is an act of showing kindness and mercy to others, even when they have wronged us. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages us to practice forgiveness in numerous verses of the Quran.

In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

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 that is beloved to Allah.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah says,

Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

This verse reminds us that forgiving others is not only a virtuous act but also a means of seeking Allah's forgiveness and mercy.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement also warns against seeking revenge, which is the opposite of forgiveness. Seeking vengeance only perpetuates a cycle of hatred and harm, leading to further discord and animosity among people. The Quran repeatedly advises against seeking revenge and encourages reconciliation.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:178), Allah says,

O you who have believed, prescribed for you is legal retribution for those murdered - the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But whoever overlooks from his brother anything, then there should be a suitable follow-up and payment to him with good conduct. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy. But whoever transgresses after that will have a painful punishment.

This verse emphasizes the importance of seeking justice through legal means rather than taking matters into our own hands.

Moreover, in Surah An-Nahl (16:126), Allah says,

And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient.

This verse encourages believers to exercise patience and self-restraint instead of seeking revenge, as it is a quality that is highly regarded by Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody the noble qualities of forgiveness and mercy. By forgiving others, we not only follow the teachings of the Quran but also foster harmony and unity within our communities. Forgiveness has the power to heal wounds, mend relationships, and bring about positive change.

On the other hand, seeking revenge only perpetuates a cycle of animosity and harm. It creates a toxic environment and hinders personal growth and spiritual development. By choosing forgiveness over vengeance, we break free from the chains of anger and resentment, and we open ourselves up to the blessings and mercy of Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the significance of forgiveness in this Hadith. His words serve as a timeless reminder for Muslims to embody the qualities of forgiveness and mercy, following the example set by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May Allah guide us all to practice forgiveness and seek His mercy and forgiveness in all aspects of our lives.