10-01-2009, 10:56 PM
Forgiveness
![[Image: 1_14081.jpg]](http://www.muslimvideo.com/tv/thumb/1_14081.jpg)
To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness.
Forgiveness is a simple, deep word with yet a deeper meaning. The word that we expect people to use when we are at guilt and the word we don't like to use when hurt by someone . Forgiveness is choosing to love and for me its choosing to love my lord and then the person. Once we realize the peace and happiness forgiveness gives, we all will not wait too long to forgive each other. I strongly believe forgive all who have offended or hurt you, if not for them, but for yourself. Forgiveness without forgetting is like not forgetting. Someone rightly said "Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one."
Why does a person needs to be forgiven? Why we ask for forgiveness? Why is it the most difficult task? Also why is it the most required act? When we are hurt by someone we love and trust either because of a lie, betrayal or insult...it can be extremely difficult to overcome. Almost everyone gets hurt by actions or words of someone or the other in life... mostly by our dear ones, our family, friends. In such a situation we usually tend to react either in anger or ignore and then hold onto grudges. It's natural, we all are humans. We tend to have these feelings and get upset in life. But how many of us realize, what harm are we doing it to our ownself. How many of us remember that Allah(swt) has asked us to forgive each other. Had it been difficult or unjust , would we be asked to do that by our lord . Why do we expect Allah(swt) to forgive us inspite of are countless sins? Why do we pray every day for forgiveness? Why we expect to be forgiven, when we cant do that ourselves. Its always nice to ask these questions and seek answers.
I think the best way is to embrace forgiveness and move forward in life. It is indeed difficult and might require some time,but once we get on to this habit its the most easiest and satisfactory thing to do in life. I usually feel like a good deed done or achieved something when I forgive someone. We should realize its value. By not forgiving we usually forget that we are one who are paying the bigger price,we are the one who is constantly remembering that person and keeping hard feelings. Our peace is lost,we feel heavy down in our heart.These feelings may start out small,but if not dealt quickly, can grow bigger and more powerful. They may even begin to crowd out our positive feelings. But in deciding to forgive,we are let going our grudges,resentments, thoughts of revenge. It's like freeing one's self from all the miseries that we go through by not forgiving.
The blessings of forgiveness and its rewards are great. Forgiving raises our level in the eyes of Allah swt and the other person and gives us a self esteem feeling . Seldom people realize this and think otherwise, that our self respect is hurt and that if we forgive it's like we are not punishing the person. To an extent it is true,major sins and offence needs to be punished. But small acts that effect relationships,family , friends and our daily life can be and should be forgiven.
Accept the fact that all, like us aren't perfect. Accept yourself despite your faults and admit your mistakes. Commit to treating others with compassion and respect. This can reduce the power these feelings otherwise have over you, so that you can a live freer and happier life in the present. Always analyse the situation....respect yourself and make the best decision. Forgiveness though not easy, can transform your life. Instead of dwelling on the injustice and revenge, instead of being angry and bitter, you can move toward a life of peace, compassion, mercy, joy and kindness. Forgiveness is the only way to get ourself free, our mind and heart free .There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love.
Sincere forgiveness isn't colored with expectations that the other person apologize or change. Don't worry whether or not they finally understand you. Love them and release them. ...Life feeds back truth to people in its own way and time...Forgiveness is not done by the weak but by the strongest, so forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself. "
![[Image: forgiveness-2.jpg]](http://blogs.jamaicans.com/metinking/files/2008/12/forgiveness-2.jpg)
