ENGLISH-ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVES ON FORGIVENESS: DIVINE MERCY, INTERPERSONAL RECONCILIATION, AND SOCIAL HARMONY

Abstract

This paper examines several different aspects of forgiveness in Islam, such as motivating factors, ethics, and more approaches. It is evident that the midpoint between Allah's love and mankind's ability to forgive should be considered as a formative principle in the character development of an individual and the social equilibrium of a society. Citing the Qur'an, the Hadith, and the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Prophet Isa, in politically, socially, and economically plural societies, the paper demonstrates the utility of forgiveness at both the individual and collective levels; both as an actionable measure and a practice within the Muslim religion, as well as a solution to altercations within the aforementioned community. Also, the findings analyse the impact of forgiveness on psychological well-being, social interaction, and the role of justice in conflict situations. In order to provide insight into other dimensions of forgiveness like personal and social, the study seeks to examine the importance of forgiveness considering Islamic teachings and social welfare.