Verses and Hadiths on Forgiveness and Tolerance
Quranic Verses on Forgiveness and Tolerance
The Holy Quran contains numerous verses encouraging Muslims to embody the virtues of forgiveness and tolerance. Some of these verses include:
- Allah, the Most High, states: “So whoever overlooks from his brother anything, then there should be a suitable follow-up and payment to him in goodness. This is a concession from your Lord and a mercy.”
- Allah, the Most Exalted, says: “And to forgive is nearer to righteousness. And do not forget generosity among yourselves. Indeed, Allah is All-Seer of what you do.”
- Allah, the Almighty, mentions: “Those who spend in ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people. And Allah loves the doers of good.”
- Allah, the Glorious, instructs: “So overlook their misdeeds and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].”
- Allah, the Merciful, states: “If you reveal good or conceal it or pardon an offense, indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Capable.”
- Allah, the Compassionate, says: “So pardon them and overlook; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.”
- Allah, the All-Forgiving, instructs: “Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
- Allah, the Most Gracious, indicates: “And He is the One who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons misdeeds and knows what you do.”
- Allah, the Just, reveals: “And the recompense of an evil deed is an evil one like it. But whoever overlooks and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah. Indeed, He does not like the wrongdoers.”
- Allah, the Kind, states: “And if you forgive and overlook and pardon, then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
- Allah, the Most Forgiving, mentions: “It is those for whom perhaps Allah will pardon them, and Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
- Allah, the Most High, says: “Then We forgave you after that so that you might be grateful.”
- Allah, the Beneficent, says: “And pardon us and forgive us and have mercy upon us; you are our protector, so give us victory over the disbelieving people.”
- Allah, the Forgiving, states: “And indeed, Allah has forgiven them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Forbearing.”
Prophetic Hadiths on Forgiveness and Tolerance
In the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), numerous Hadiths encourage Muslims to adopt the traits of forgiveness and tolerance. Among these include:
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “Charity does not decrease wealth, and Allah does not grant a servant anything but honor through forgiveness, and no one humbles himself for Allah except that Allah raises him.”
- Someone approached the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked: “O Messenger of Allah, how often should we forgive the servant?” The Prophet remained silent. After the second inquiry, he remained silent again, but on the third inquiry, he responded: “Forgive him seventy times each day.”
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There are three things, by whom I swear, if I were to make an oath: money does not decrease from charity, and if a servant forgives a wrong, Allah will enhance his honor on the Day of Judgment; and whoever opens the door to asking will have a door to poverty opened for him.”
Hadiths on Seeking Forgiveness from Allah
Additionally, in the Sunnah, there are many Hadiths prompting Muslims to seek forgiveness from Allah, the Most High, including:
- The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in this world and in the Hereafter. O Allah, I ask You for forgiveness and well-being in my religion, my worldly affairs, my family, and my wealth. O Allah, conceal my faults and calm my fears.”
- Aisha, Mother of the Believers (may Allah be pleased with her), reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) advised her to say: “O Allah, indeed You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”