There is no one out there, it’s a safe bet, who didn’t experience the difficulty of forgiving. At first it seems very difficult to even think about forgiving someone you had a dispute or fought with or who has hurt you, but why? Why is it so difficult? Why is it almost impossible to do it instantly? Let’s have a closer look on the procedure of forgiving and the definition of forgiveness.

First off, let’s play a game. Think of someone who you indefinitely hate, whom you wish the worst thing to happen, who have maybe ruined your day, or did something bad to you throughout your life. Now try to tell yourself, that you forgive whatever he/she has done to you. For most of you, this is the point where the game takes an end, but once you overcome this step, it starts making fun, presumed you proceed playing.

Before talking about the fun side of this game, let’s make clear what kind of benefits it has, e.g. on your health.

Researches show that being angry at somebody, affects your mental and physical well being.

Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness. Here are some key facts.

Forgiveness 

  • is the key to a healthy heart. Carry around grudges increases heart rate and blood pressure, which leads to health problems such as problems in falling asleep or in having an unbalanced well-being.
  • leads to fewer symptoms of depression
  • can lead to a stronger immune system
  • higher self-esteem

Now, what about the fun mentioned above? Did you think about the “fun” you experience from a game? such as a card game? The fun lies here within the fact of knowing the true benefits for yourself, such as the fun in doing sports, it’s fun knowing and seeing your progress of gaining muscles or losing weight.

The Man from Paradise

Now, what has the whole thing has to do with the ‘man from paradise?’

Following Hadith makes it clear:

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was seated in a gathering with the sahabah (his companions) when he looked towards the entrance and said, “A man of Paradise is coming.” At that instance someone who seemed to be very ordinary entered the masjid where they were seated. One sahabi was curious as to why the Prophet had said such a thing about this man, so he followed the man to his house. The sahabi told the man of Paradise that he was a traveler, and was invited to stay as a guest. For three days the sahabi watched the man of Paradise, but he saw nothing unusual in the man’s character or worship. Finally he told the man what the Prophet had said and asked him what was so special about him. The man thought for a long time and said, “There might be one thing — before going to sleep every night I forgive everyone and sleep with a clean heart.”

Example from the life of our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

The Prophet was all for forgiveness and no amount of crime or aggression against him was too great to be forgiven by him.  He was the complete example of forgiveness and kindness, as mentioned in the following verse of the Quran:

“Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant.” (Quran 7:199)

A powerful Hadith which shows the mercy of Muhammad (salallahu alayhi wa sallam)

For the preaching of Islam, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) went to the city of Ta’if and offered them to accept the religion of Allah Almighty. But the leaders of Ta’if rejected to accept Islam and stirred up some gangs of the town to harm him (PBUH). They followed Holy Prophet (PBUH) shouting at him, abusing him and even started throwing stones on him until he (PBUH) became injured. Even at that situation, Holy Prophet (PBUH) did not say anything wrong to them and prayed for them in these words:

“O Allah Almighty, to You I complain of my weakness, lack of resources and humiliation before these people. You are the Most Merciful, the Lord of the weak and my Master. To whom will You consign me? To one estranged, bearing ill will, or an enemy given power over me? If You do not assign me any worth, I care not, for Your favor is abundant upon me. I seek refuge in the light of Your countenance by which all darkness is dispelled and every affair of this world and the next is set right, lest Thy anger should descend upon me or Your displeasure light upon me. I need only Your pleasure and satisfaction for only You enable me to do good and evade the evil. There is no power and no might but You.”

Allah Almighty sent angel for seeking the permission of Holy Prophet (PBUH) to join the two hills and destroy the city of Ta’if. But the Messenger of Allah Almighty, Holy Prophet (PBUH) showed mercy towards them and replied in these words:

“No! For, I hope that God will bring forth from their loins people who will worship God alone, associating nothing with Him.” (Saheeh Muslim)

Now, whenever you are harmed by anyone, cleanse your heart, and follow the path of our beloved prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). And in sha Allah you will be among the people of paradise. Ameen.