Hadith #6900

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "أُعْفُ تُنْصَرْ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Forgive and you will be supported.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom behind this statement and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (u'fu) "أُعْفُ" means to forgive, to pardon, or to overlook someone's faults or mistakes. It is an act of mercy and compassion, reflecting the noble character of the forgiver. This word is derived from the root word (afa) "عَفَا", which appears multiple times in the Quran, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness in Islam.

Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) encourages Muslims to forgive others and seek forgiveness for themselves. In Surah Al-Imran (3:134), Allah says,

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 virtues of forgiveness and the reward that awaits those who forgive others.

Furthermore, in Surah An-Nur (24:22), Allah commands the believers to forgive and overlook the faults of others, saying,

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 connection between forgiveness and seeking forgiveness from Allah, reminding us that our own forgiveness is linked to our willingness to forgive others.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement,

Forgive and you will be supported,

holds profound wisdom. When we forgive others, we not only demonstrate mercy and compassion, but we also open the doors for divine support and assistance. Forgiveness creates an environment of peace and harmony, fostering unity and cooperation among individuals and communities.

By forgiving others, we break the cycle of resentment and anger, freeing ourselves from the burden of grudges and negative emotions. This act of forgiveness allows us to move forward and focus on personal growth and spiritual development. It also strengthens our relationships with others, as forgiveness promotes understanding, empathy, and reconciliation.

Moreover, forgiving others is an embodiment of the teachings of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,

The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of self-control and forgiveness, highlighting the true strength of character.

When we forgive others, we emulate the noble qualities of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was known for his knowledge, wisdom, and forbearance. His forgiveness towards his enemies, even in the face of great adversity, serves as a shining example for all Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the profound lesson of forgiveness. By forgiving others, we not only embody the teachings of Islam, but we also invite divine support and blessings into our lives. Let us strive to forgive others, seek forgiveness for ourselves, and create a society built on compassion, understanding, and reconciliation. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to forgive and be forgiven.