About Forgiveness

[ahmad]

As Salam Alaykum,

The Quran states that forgiveness is better than retribution (42:40). From my experience, it is hard to forgive unless you are in a position of power, or unless the injustice that you have been through has seized. Like when Prophet Joseph forgave his brothers when he became a high official in Egypt. It's hard to imagine that he could have forgave them the moment he was thrown in the well. Also the example of prophet Muhammed comes to mind when he forgive the polytheists when he returned to Makka in triumph.

So my Question is, should forgiveness only happen when we are in a position of power ? Or is it also desirable from a Quranic perspective to forgive when we are still in a position of weakness ?

Thank you.

[niaz]

Wa alaikum salaam Ahmad,

This is a very good question ... I am just thinking out aloud. It is our duty to fight against injustice, persecution and aggression (2:191-194, 22:39-40). But the moment the aggression or persecution ceases, we should cease all hostilities (8:61, 2:190,192.193). If forgiving the oppressor in a "position of weakness" encourages or exacerbates the oppression or injustice, and will not help bring it to a stop, then our first priority should be to stop the oppression. Once the oppression has ceased, and we are considering how to punish the oppressor for his misdeeds, thats when forgiveness would be better.

Does this make sense?

[ahmad]

Salam Niaz,

Yes it makes sense Thank for your reply. 


Regards,
Ahmad.

[Duster]

Wa alaikum salaam Ahmad,

This is a very good question ... I am just thinking out aloud. It is our duty to fight against injustice, persecution and aggression (2:191-194, 22:39-40). But the moment the aggression or persecution ceases, we should cease all hostilities (8:61, 2:190,192.193). If forgiving the oppressor in a "position of weakness" encourages or exacerbates the oppression or injustice, and will not help bring it to a stop, then our first priority should be to stop the oppression. Once the oppression has ceased, and we are considering how to punish the oppressor for his misdeeds, thats when forgiveness would be better.

Does this make sense?

Shalom / peace .... Good response in my opinion! Thanks for this ....