WHAT IS THE GENERIC UNDERSTANDING OF FORGIVENESS?
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. … Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, nor does it mean condoning or excusing offenses.
WHAT IS THE ISLAMIC TEACHINGS ON FORGIVENESS?
Islamic teachings about forgiveness are found in verses in the Qur’an, which strongly encourage Muslims to forgive wrongdoing. The term used to forgive people who have done wrong is ‘to pardon’, just as Allah will forgive people on the Day of Judgement for things which they have done.
THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK ARE ALSO INSTRUCTED TO FORGIVE.
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God forgives you.
Mark 11:25 – “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your God, who is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses.”
HOW DO WE BEGIN TO TRY TO FORGIVE SOMEONE WHO WRONGED US?
Steps
- Step 1: Pray and Trust in Allah.
- Step 2: Take Responsibility for Your Part.
- Step 3: Let Go of Resentments.
- Step 4: Switch the Focus from Blaming Others to Understanding Yourself.
- Step 5: Don’t Go to Sleep Angry.
- Step 6: Reconnect with Your Peaceful Mind.
- Step 7: Learn to Let Go and Be Like Water. Flow Naturally Away from the Issue.