Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Dear Brother Burhan As Salaam aleikum,

I would like to know what exactly holy quran and hadith teaches us in islam about forgiving others(strangers)and showing mercy on them for the mistakes repeatedly (more than 3 times) committed by them against any one in islam with or without knowing the importance of it.

Thanks & Regards

your's little brother

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

To forgive and overlook the errors of others

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 24 Surah Noor Verse 22:

22 Let not those among you who are endued with grace and amplitude of means, resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want, and those who have left their homes in Allah's Cause: let them forgive and overlook: do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 8.254 Narrated by Abu Ayyub

The Prophet (saws) said, "It is not lawful for a Muslim to desert (not to speak to) his brother Muslim for more than three days, (whereby) while meeting, one turns his face to one side and the other turns his face to the other side. Lo! The better of the two is the one who greets the other first.”

If one has intentionally or unintentionally hurt one’s feelings, or even usurped their rights, or done them severe wrong, etc…..it simply does not befit a believer to hold a grudge or hatred in their heart against their believing brother for more than three days.

If one wishes that Allah Subhanah overlook and forgive their own innumerable faults and errors, then one should hasten to forgive the faults and errors their believing brethren might have done towards them. This act of beneficence and generosity amongst the believers is akin to the utmost piety and righteousness in the Sight of the Lord Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan