The Spiritual Gift of Forgiveness
Have you ever been kept awake by a hurtful memory?
A cutting remark or action that won't stop replaying in your head?
You can’t stop thinking about it. You know you need to let it go. But it feels so hard in the moment.
I've been there, many times. When I'm trapped in obsessive thoughts about a painful interaction, I've learned a powerful truth. One of the quickest ways to release that emotional stress? Forgiveness.
By choosing to forgive, we embody a divine attribute. We reflect the infinite mercy of Al-Ghafur, the Most Forgiving.
And in doing so, we open the door to inner peace and healing. Forgiveness also empowers us to face life's challenges with greater clarity.
This is what the following Sufi Comic is about:
Art by Charbak Dipta
One of God’s most beautiful names is Al-Ghafur, the All-Forgiving. No matter how far we stray or how many mistakes we make, His door of forgiveness is always open.
When we choose to forgive others, we are embodying this divine attribute in our own lives.
"So overlook (any human faults) with gracious forgiveness." (Quran 15:85)
While we know it’s good to forgive, sometimes the hurt is so deep that we may not have the strengh to forgive. We may feel that forgiving is showing weakness or excusing bad behavior.
But the truth is that forgiveness is a decision to let go of anger and bitterness. It doesn't mean excusing bad behavior. Or failing to set boundaries. It's about freeing ourselves from resentment's toxic weight. And in doing so, drawing closer to God's mercy.
So how do we cultivate this divine quality? Here are some steps:
Start with self-forgiveness. In order to forgive, we need to experience forgiveness. If you’re feeling the burden of guilt or self-blame, sincerely seek God’s forgiveness. And work to accept it deep in your heart. Accepting forgiveness leads to spiritual growth.
Practice empathy. Step into the other person's life. Consider their life experiences, burdens and wounds. How might you have reacted in their place? Compassion doesn't excuse hurtful actions. But it helps us see others as God sees us.
Focus inward. Ask yourself: How is this anger serving me? What would it feel like to let it go? To trust in Allah's greater plan? Get curious about your emotional and spiritual landscape.
Make a conscious choice. Forgiveness is an intentional decision. A commitment to release bitterness. And reflect God's infinite mercy. Say it out loud. "For the sake of God, I forgive [name]." "I’ll engage with the situation without resentment."
Reframe the story. Look for growth opportunities and lessons. How is this challenge inviting you closer to God? What divine attributes can you embody? Let adversity deepen your faith.
Keep practicing. Practicing forgiveness is a lifelong journey. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. Turn to God for strength and guidance. Especially when old wounds resurface. Over time, reflecting His mercy will feel more natural.
Emotional forgiveness is a gift to ourselves.
By releasing bitterness, we create space for peace, joy, and connection. We shift from a contracting energy of resentment to an expansive energy of acceptance.
This doesn't mean we excuse hurtful behavior or fail to set boundaries. It simply means we've stopped letting others dictate our inner state.
In this place of clarity and compassion, we can engage with others from a different place.
We express our truth without attacking.
We set expectations with respect.
Forgiveness opens the door to rebuilding trust and understanding.
And if forgiveness feels impossible, remember: This is your chance to embody divine mercy.
Choose to free yourself from resentment.
Choose to reflect His compassion.
Choose peace.
