This refers to a very informative article, “Allah Almighty encourages believers to forgive, overlook,” (Feb. 13) by Harun Yahya.

Islam indeed stresses great importance on forgiveness. Traits like anger and hatred create attitude for revenge. History cannot find another example of a kindly person as that of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who treated even archrivals with kindness.

When Makkah was conquered, he pronounced amnesty to his enemies, which made many pagans to accept Islam.

People today do not have such qualities. They get angry at the spur of the moment. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was very kind; whenever something got broken by me, he would not be angered, and used to say that things had their ages so they got broken.

Several great scholars have also stressed that there is no great trait than forgiveness. If you forgive your enemy, the chances are you can turn your foes into a friendship bond. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Even if you do something wrong 70 times in a day, seek forgiveness to Allah.”

A person who seeks forgiveness, in his heart there is humility, and there is no place for rancor in his heart. And when these positive feelings arise in the heart, there will be a strong bond of friendship on firm note.