“To err is human but to forgive is divine,” is an old adage. If men start taking revenge for each and every small mistakes and wrongs done by others to them, then peace, love and affection and harmony of the world would be lost forever. It is in the nature of man to commit mistakes but to repent in leisure is also second nature of man. Since it is human to fall in error and commit a folly therefore it becomes incumbent on every individual to forgive by overlooking the mistakes and wrongs of others. Patience and fortitude should be exercised to a great extent to achieve the desired goal of peace of mind and happiness in life. If we keep harboring grudge against our fellowmen for wrongs committed by them against us, then it is sure way to lose peace of mind and happiness forever. Instead we need to develop magnanimity and largeheartedness to forgive all and silly mistakes and wrongs of others.
A question posed is as to whether serious crimes committed against individuals or against the society should also be forgiven? It is not so, it would lead to lawlessness and breakdown of law and order and also disturb the peace and tranquility of the society. In such circumstances, therefore law takes its own course. Society has laid down rules and regulations for punishing suitably the wrong doers. One should also do introspection before prosecuting any individual by seeking justice against a law breaker and wrong doer. Such a person maybe your own kith and kin. In such circumstances, it may break the family bonds and filial relationship. Compromise and compounding of offences are provided in law. There would be umpteen instances when wrong doer in a fit of emotions, anger and in passion would commit a wrong, a sin or a crime but would definitely not have an intention to harm the injured person. Intention plays an important part in such circumstances to determine the gravity of such offences. It is in such circumstances law requires for pardoning the wrong doer or giving less punitive punishment than incarnation or corporal punishment. If the wrong doer comes forward to compensate the wrong committed by adequate and full monetary compensation or undertakes to do good and charitable works to atone his sin then such wrong doers are required to be pardoned by exercising magnanimity and large heartedness.
All wrongs are not punishable like jeers, taunts, criticism and insults. It may cause deep hurt and this would be a cause to bear a grudge and rancor. This is an occasion to exercise restraint and to pardon such foolish and silly persons, for they have committed wrongs without knowing its ramifications. To ignore such vain talks of others and exercise silence is a better proposition for maintaining healthy relationship.
Allah and His Prophet (SAS) have again and again assured of forgiveness and clemency to sinners and wrongdoers on their seeking pardon and forgiveness. Holy Prophet (SAS) was troubled by his enemies throughout his Prophethood but he kept forgiving his enemies including his staunchest enemy Abu Sufian. “Forgive them for they know not what wrong they do,” he would advice his followers. Self realization may dawn on the wrong doers and they would realize their mistakes and seek to amend for their wrongs and would patch up the relationships by seeking friendship and by strengthening it by good deeds. Therefore every individual needs t do introspection and should develop large heartedness, broad mindedness, love and affection to forget and forgive the wrongs of fellowmen, kith and kin so as to achieve ‘As-sakina’ in their hearts i.e. eternal peace, solace and bliss in this life and in the life hereafter.