20 Forgiveness in the Quran and Sunnah
Forgiveness (Maghfirah – المغفرة) is one of the most important values in Islam. It is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of strength, faith, and good character (Akhlaq – الأخلاق).
Allah loves those who forgive. The Messenger of Allah practiced forgiveness every day of his life. The Quran speaks about it in many places. The Sunnah is full of examples that show us how to forgive.
In this article, we will cover 20 forgiveness in the Quran and Sunnah. Each point comes from an authentic source. Each one carries deep meaning for every Muslim living in the USA and around the world. if you are quotes lover and want to read more quotes than visit Quotes slide.
Forgiveness in the Quran — What Allah Says
What does the Quran say about forgiving others?
The Quran speaks about pardon (Afw – العفو), overlooking (Safh – الصفح), and mercy (Rahmah – الرحمة) in many verses. These are not just suggestions. They are divine commands from Allah. Below are the key Quranic teachings on forgiveness.
Allah Commands Believers to Pardon and Overlook
Allah said in Surat An-Nur:
وَلْيَعْفُوا وَلْيَصْفَحُوا ۗ أَلَا تُحِبُّونَ أَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not love for Allah to forgive you? Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Surat An-Nur 24:22
What does this verse mean for us?
This verse gives us a powerful reason to forgive. Allah connects our forgiveness of others to His forgiveness (Maghfirah – المغفرة) of us. When we pardon others, we open the door to divine forgiveness for ourselves.
Overlooking (Safh – الصفح) means you do not keep bringing up what someone did to you. You let it go completely. This is the highest form of forgiveness in Islam.
Allah ends this verse by calling Himself Al-Ghafoor (the Forgiving) and Ar-Raheem (the Merciful). This tells us that divine mercy and divine forgiveness are always connected.
Show Forgiveness and Turn Away from the Ignorant
Allah said in Surat Al-A’raf:
خُذِ الْعَفْوَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْعُرْفِ وَأَعْرِضْ عَنِ الْجَاهِلِينَ
“Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.”
Surat Al-A’raf 7:199
What does this verse teach us?
Allah gives three clear commands here. Show pardon (Afw – العفو). Enjoin good. And turn away from those who act in ignorance (Jahl – الجاهل).
This verse is about emotional restraint and good character (Akhlaq – الأخلاق). When someone wrongs you out of ignorance, the Islamic response is not anger. It is forgiveness and gentleness (Rifq – الرفق).
Ibn Abbas reported that this very verse stopped Umar ibn al-Khattab from striking an ignorant man who had insulted him. When the verse was recited to Umar, he became completely still. He always adhered strictly to the Book of Allah.
Source: Sahih Bukhari 4366, Grade: Sahih
This shows us that following the Quran is a lifelong practice of forbearance (Hilm – الحلم).
Forgive with Gracious Forgiveness Before the Hour
Allah said in Surat Al-Hijr:
وَإِنَّ السَّاعَةَ لَآتِيَةٌ ۖ فَاصْفَحِ الصَّفْحَ الْجَمِيلَ
“Verily, the Hour is coming, so forgive them with gracious forgiveness.”
Surat Al-Hijr 15:85
What is gracious forgiveness?
Gracious forgiveness means you forgive without expecting anything in return. You forgive without reminding the person of what they did. You forgive for the sake of Allah alone.
The Hereafter (Akhirah – الآخرة) is mentioned in this verse as a reminder. Time in this world is short. The Hour is coming. Use your time to forgive, not to hold grudges.
This verse teaches moral excellence and steadfast determination in the face of harm.
Those Who Restrain Anger and Pardon the Peop
Allah said in Surat Ali Imran:
الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ
“The believers are those who spend in charity during ease and hardship and who restrain their anger and pardon the people, for Allah loves the doers of good.”
Surat Ali Imran 3:134
What qualities does Allah love?
Allah describes the true believers in this verse. They have three key qualities. They give charity (Sadaqah – صدقة). They restrain their anger. And they pardon the people.
Restraining anger is connected to forgiveness in this verse. True forgiveness in Islam starts with emotional restraint. You control your anger first. Then you forgive.
Allah ends this verse by saying He loves the doers of good (Muhsineen – المحسنين). Forgiving others is one of the highest acts of good in Islam.
The Angels Seek Forgiveness for Those on Earth
Allah said in Surat Ash-Shura:
وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ يُسَبِّحُونَ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّهِمْ وَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ لِمَن فِي الْأَرْضِ ۗ أَلَا إِنَّ اللَّهَ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
“The angels glorify and praise their Lord and seek forgiveness for those on the earth. Verily, Allah is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
Surat Ash-Shura 42:5
Did you know that angels pray for your forgiveness?
This verse brings great hope and comfort. The angels are constantly doing seeking forgiveness (Istighfar – استغفار) on behalf of every person on earth. This shows how vast the divine mercy and divine forgiveness of Allah truly is.
Allah calls Himself Al-Ghafoor and Ar-Raheem again in this verse. His forgiveness and mercy have no limits. If Allah forgives on such a grand scale, we as His servants must also try to forgive one another.
Patience and Forgiveness Are Matters of Steadfast Determination
Allah said in Surat Ash-Shura:
وَلَمَن صَبَرَ وَغَفَرَ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ لَمِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ
“Whoever is patient and forgives, verily, that is among the matters of steadfast determination.”
Surat Ash-Shura 42:43
Is forgiveness easy?
No. Forgiveness is hard. That is why Allah praises it so highly. Patience (Sabr – الصبر) and forgiveness are paired together in this verse. You need patience to forgive. You need steadfast determination to overlook.
Allah calls forgiveness one of the most firm and resolute acts a person can do. This is not weakness. This is spiritual strength and moral excellence of the highest level.
Believers Are Commanded to Forgive the Disbelievers
Allah said in Surat Al-Jathiyah:
قُل لِّلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا يَغْفِرُوا لِلَّذِينَ لَا يَرْجُونَ أَيَّامَ اللَّهِ لِيَجْزِيَ قَوْمًا بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْسِبُونَ
“Say to those who believe that they should forgive those who expect not the days of Allah, as it is for Him to recompense people for what they have earned.”
Surat Al-Jathiyah 45:14
Should Muslims forgive even those who do not believe?
Yes. This verse commands Muslims to forgive even those who do not believe in the Hereafter (Akhirah – الآخرة). Reward and recompense belong to Allah alone. It is not our job to punish. It is our job to forgive.
This verse teaches justice (Adl – العدل) in the right place. Leave reward and recompense to Allah. You focus on forgiveness. if you want to read Meekness Quotes than visit this page.
Allah Loves to Forgive His Servants
Allah is Al-Ghafoor. He is Al-Ghaffar. He is Al-Afuw. These are the Beautiful Names of Allah that all relate to forgiveness (Maghfirah – المغفرة).
Allah does not just forgive. He loves to forgive. He invites His servants to ask for forgiveness. He said in Surah Az-Zumar 39:53:
“Say: O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.”
Surat Az-Zumar 39:53
What does this verse tell us?
No matter what a person has done, divine forgiveness is always available. Repentance and seeking forgiveness (Istighfar – استغفار) are always open. Allah forgives ALL sins. This is the depth of His divine mercy.
Forgiveness Brings the Reward of Allah
Allah said in Surat Ash-Shura:
“The repayment of a bad action is one equivalent to it. But if someone pardons and puts things right, his reward is with Allah.”
Surat Ash-Shura 42:40
What is the reward for forgiving?
When you have the right to take legal retaliation (Qisas – قصاص) and you choose to forgive instead, your reward and recompense is directly with Allah. No one can give you a reward that matches what Allah gives.
This verse shows the true value of pardon (Afw – العفو) in Islam. Justice (Adl – العدل) allows you to take your right. But forgiveness earns you something far greater from Allah.
Pardon and Reform Is Better Than Retaliation
Allah said in Surat Al-Maidah:
“We ordained for them in it: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution. But whoever gives up his right as charity, it is an expiation for him.”
Surat Al-Maidah 5:45
What does giving up your right mean in Islam?
Islam gives you the right to legal retaliation (Qisas – قصاص). But it also gives you a higher path. If you forgive and give up your right, it becomes charity (Sadaqah – صدقة) for you. It expiates your own sins.
This is the wisdom of forgiveness in the Quran. When you forgive, Allah rewards you. Your sins are covered. Your honor and elevation in status increases.
Forgiveness in the Sunnah — What the Prophet ﷺ Taught
What did the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ teach about forgiveness?
The Sunnah is full of deep and practical teachings on forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) did not just teach forgiveness. He lived it every single day. Below are the key Hadith narrations.
The Prophet ﷺ Prayed for Forgiveness for His People
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) tell the story of a prophet who was beaten by his people. He wiped the blood from his face and said:
رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِقَوْمِي فَإِنَّهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ
“My Lord, forgive my people for they do not know.”
Source: Sahih Bukhari 6530, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi
What does this Hadith teach us?
Even while bleeding, the prophet in this story asked Allah to forgive the people who hurt him. This is the highest level of gracious forgiveness. He did not ask for justice (Adl – العدل) for himself. He asked for divine forgiveness for them.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) shared this story to teach his companions — and all of us — the true meaning of forgiveness in Islam.
Forgiving Others Increases Your Honor with Allah
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
مَا نَقَصَتْ صَدَقَةٌ مِنْ مَالٍ وَمَا زَادَ اللَّهُ عَبْدًا بِعَفْوٍ إِلاَّ عِزًّا وَمَا تَوَاضَعَ أَحَدٌ لِلَّهِ إِلاَّ رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ
“Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.”
Source: Sahih Muslim 2588, Grade: Sahih
Does forgiving make you weak?
No. This Hadith from Sahih Muslim proves the opposite. When you forgive, Allah gives you honor and elevation in status. Your dignity does not decrease. It increases.
Humility (Tawadu – تواضع) and pardon (Afw – العفو) are paired together in this Hadith. Both lead to being raised by Allah. This is the promise of the Messenger of Allah.
Be Merciful and Forgive, Allah Will Forgive You
Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was upon the pulpit and he said:
ارْحَمُوا تُرْحَمُوا وَاغْفِرُوا يَغْفِرْ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ
“Be merciful to others and you will receive mercy. Forgive others and Allah will forgive you.”
Source: Musnad Ahmad 7001, Grade: Sahih
What is the connection between mercy and forgiveness?
Mercy (Rahmah – الرحمة) and forgiveness always go together in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said this from the pulpit — a place of great importance. He wanted everyone to hear it clearly.
When you show mercy, you receive mercy. When you forgive, Allah forgives you. This is one of the most direct and beautiful promises in the entire Sunnah.
The Character of the Prophet ﷺ — He Always Pardoned
Abu Abdullah Al-Khadali reported: I asked Aisha bint Abu Bakr about the character of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). She said:
لَمْ يَكُنْ فَاحِشًا وَلَا مُتَفَحِّشًا وَلَا صَخَّابًا فِي الْأَسْوَاقِ وَلَا يَجْزِي بِالسَّيِّئَةِ السَّيِّئَةَ وَلَكِنْ يَعْفُو وَيَصْفَحُ
“The Prophet was not indecent, he was not obscene, he would not shout in the markets, and he would not respond to an evil deed with an evil deed, but rather he would pardon and overlook.”
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2016, Grade: Sahih
What was the character of the Prophet ﷺ like?
Aisha bint Abu Bakr knew the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) better than almost anyone. She described his good character (Akhlaq – الأخلاق) clearly. He never repaid evil with evil. He always chose pardon (Afw – العفو) and overlooking (Safh – الصفح).
This is the character of the Prophet we must try to follow. Manners (Adab – الأدب), gentleness (Rifq – الرفق), and forbearance (Hilm – الحلم) were his way. if you want to read about Mermaids Quotes than visit this page.
Reconcile, Give, and Pardon Whoever Wrongs You
Uqbah ibn Amir reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
يَا عُقْبَةُ بْنَ عَامِرٍ صِلْ مَنْ قَطَعَكَ وَأَعْطِ مَنْ حَرَمَكَ وَاعْفُ عَمَّنْ ظَلَمَكَ
“O Uqbah, reconcile whoever cuts you off, give to whoever deprives you, and pardon whoever wrongs you.”
Source: Musnad Ahmad 16999, Grade: Sahih
What should you do when someone wrongs you?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) gave three powerful commands. Reconciliation with those who cut you off. Giving to those who deprive you. And pardoning those who wrong you.
This Hadith from Musnad Ahmad is a complete guide to conflict resolution in Islam. It teaches compassion in governance of our own hearts and our community (Jama’ah – الجماعة).
O Allah, You Love to Forgive — The Dua of Laylatul Qadr
Aisha bint Abu Bakr reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عُفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ
“O Allah, You are forgiving and generous. You love to forgive.”
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3513, Grade: Sahih
What is the best dua for Laylatul Qadr?
Aisha bint Abu Bakr asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) what dua to make on Laylatul Qadr. He taught her this short but powerful supplication.
Allah is Al-Afuw — the one who completely wipes away sins. He is Al-Kareem — the Most Generous. And He loves pardon (Afw – العفو). This is one of the most beloved duas in all of Islam. Say it often, especially in the last ten nights of Ramadan.
The Prophet ﷺ Always Recommended Pardoning in Retaliation Cases
Anas ibn Malik reported:
مَا رَأَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ رُفِعَ إِلَيْهِ شَيْءٌ فِيهِ قِصَاصٌ إِلَّا أَمَرَ فِيهِ بِالْعَفْوِ
“I never saw a case involving legal retaliation being referred to the Messenger of Allah except that he would recommend pardoning the criminal.”
Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 4497, Grade: Sahih
What did the Prophet ﷺ always recommend?
This is a remarkable statement from Anas ibn Malik. Every single time a case of legal retaliation (Qisas – قصاص) came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), he always recommended pardon (Afw – العفو).
He did not eliminate justice (Adl – العدل). But he always pushed toward forgiveness. This is true ethical leadership and compassion in governance.
Also narrated by Anas ibn Malik in Sunan An-Nasa’i 4730: A man came with the killer of his relative. The Prophet said “Pardon him.” The man refused. The Prophet said, “Take the blood money (Diyah – الدية).” The man refused again. The Prophet then said, “Go and kill him, for you are like him.” At that point, the man finally let the killer go.
Source: Sunan An-Nasa’i 4730, Grade: Sahih
This Hadith shows that forgiveness is always the better path. Justice is allowed, but pardon is always preferred.
A Leader Who Errs in Forgiving Is Better Than One Who Errs in Punishing
Aisha bint Abu Bakr reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
فَإِنَّ الْإِمَامَ أَنْ يُخْطِئَ فِي الْعَفْوِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَنْ يُخْطِئَ فِي الْعُقُوبَةِ
“Verily, it is better for the leader to make a mistake forgiving the criminal than it is for him to make a mistake punishing the innocent.”
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 1424, Grade: Sahih
What does Islam say about leadership and forgiveness?
This Hadith from Sunan At-Tirmidhi is a profound teaching on ethical leadership. When a leader must choose between being too forgiving or too harsh, Islam says err on the side of forgiveness.
Protection from punishment of the innocent is a major principle of Islamic justice (Adl – العدل). Leadership in forgiveness is not a weakness. It is a divine responsibility. This Hadith has deep relevance for Muslim leaders in America and everywhere in the world.
Pardon Your Servant Seventy Times Every Day
Abdullah ibn Umar reported: A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, how many times should I pardon my servant?” The Messenger of Allah said:
كُلَّ يَوْمٍ سَبْعِينَ مَرَّةً
“Seventy times in each day.”
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 1949, Grade: Hasan
How often should a Muslim forgive?
Seventy times every single day. This number in Arabic culture represents an uncountable, unlimited number. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was teaching us that forgiveness has no daily limit.
Manners (Adab – الأدب), patience (Sabr – الصبر), and forbearance (Hilm – الحلم) must be practiced constantly — not just once or twice. This is true good character (Akhlaq – الأخلاق).
Umar Ibn Al-Khattab on Mercy, Forgiveness, and Pardon
Qabisa ibn Jabir reported: Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
مَنْ لا يَرْحَمُ لا يُرْحَمُ وَلا يُغْفَرُ مَنْ لا يَغْفِرُ وَلا يُعْفَ عَمَّنْ لَمْ يَعْفُ وَلا يُوقَّ مَنْ لا يَتَوَقَّ
“Whoever does not show mercy will not receive mercy. Whoever does not forgive others will not be forgiven. Whoever does not pardon others will not be pardoned. Whoever does not protect others will not be protected.”
Source: Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 366, Grade: Hasan
What did Umar ibn al-Khattab teach about forgiveness?
Umar ibn al-Khattab was one of the greatest leaders in Islamic history. These words from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad are four connected principles. Mercy (Rahmah – الرحمة). Forgiveness (Maghfirah – المغفرة). Pardon (Afw – العفو). And protection.
Each one is a two-way street. What you give, you receive. What you withhold, is withheld from you. This is the wisdom of following the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Messenger.
Ibn Abbas also narrated how Umar ibn al-Khattab stopped himself from striking an ignorant man when the verse of Surat Al-A’raf 7:199 was recited to him. Umar was a man of great power. But he always chose the path of forgiveness in Islam when reminded of Allah’s command.
Source: Sahih Bukhari 4366, Grade: Sahih
How Muslims in America Can Practice Forgiveness in Daily Life
How can Muslims living in the USA apply these teachings?
Living in a diverse country like America brings many opportunities and many challenges. Conflict can arise at work, at home, in the community (Jama’ah – الجماعة), and even in the masjid. Here is how forgiveness in the Quran and Sunnah can guide daily life.
Start with your own heart. Before you can forgive others, you must deal with your own anger. The Quran commands restraining anger before pardon (Afw – العفو). Take a breath. Make Istighfar. Then choose to forgive.
Remember Allah’s forgiveness of you. Every day, Allah forgives your mistakes. He covers your sins. He overlooks your faults. Surat An-Nur 24:22 reminds us: if you want Allah’s forgiveness, you must forgive others.
Practice forgiveness in your family. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said to pardon your servant seventy times a day. Apply this to your spouse, your children, your parents. Reconciliation starts at home.
Work toward conflict resolution in your community. Muslim communities in America sometimes face internal conflicts. The teaching of Uqbah ibn Amir — to reconcile, give, and pardon — is the roadmap for social harmony and public welfare (Maslahah – المصلحة).
Make the dua of Laylatul Qadr regularly. Say:
“O Allah, You are forgiving and generous. You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
This dua connects your seeking forgiveness (Istighfar – استغفار) from Allah with the act of forgiving others. It brings spiritual purification and closeness to Allah.
The Rewards of Forgiveness in the Quran and Sunnah
What does Allah give to those who forgive?
The Quran and Sunnah mention many beautiful rewards for those who forgive. These are not just rewards in the Hereafter (Akhirah – الآخرة). Some rewards come in this life too.
Allah increases your honor. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said in Sahih Muslim that Allah increases the honor and elevation in status of every person who forgives. People respect you more when you forgive, not less.
Allah forgives your sins. When you forgive others, Allah forgives you. This is the direct promise of Surat An-Nur 24:22 and Musnad Ahmad 7001. Your forgiveness (Maghfirah – المغفرة) from Allah depends partly on your forgiveness of others.
Your reward is with Allah directly. Surat Ash-Shura 42:40 says when you pardon, your reward and recompense is directly with Allah. No human can match what Allah gives in return for forgiveness.
Your charity is accepted. Surat Al-Maidah 5:45 tells us that giving up your right to legal retaliation (Qisas – قصاص) is an act of charity (Sadaqah – صدقة) that expiates your sins.
You receive divine mercy. Allah shows mercy (Rahmah – الرحمة) to those who show mercy. The angels make Istighfar for those who are on earth. This is the beautiful cycle of divine mercy that Surat Ash-Shura 42:5 describes.
Conclusion — Embrace Forgiveness as a Way of Life in Islam
What is the final message about forgiveness in the Quran and Sunnah?
We have covered 20 forgiveness in the Quran and Sunnah. Each point is backed by an authentic source from the Quran, Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan An-Nasa’i, Musnad Ahmad, and Al-Adab Al-Mufrad.
Forgiveness (Maghfirah – المغفرة) is not just one good deed among many. It is a way of life. It reflects monotheism (Tawheed – التوحيد) because when we forgive for the sake of Allah, we show that we trust only Him for reward and recompense.
Pardon (Afw – العفو) reflects the character of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). He never repaid evil with evil. He always chose grace, mercy, and overlooking.
Patience (Sabr – الصبر) and forgiveness together are described by Allah as among the highest acts of steadfast determination a believer can perform.
Let us be among those who forgive. Let us be among those who pardon. Let us be among the doers of good (Muhsineen – المحسنين) whom Allah loves.
“O Allah, You are forgiving and generous. You love to forgive, so forgive us and help us to forgive others.”
Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.
