As Ramadan approaches, our hearts begin to stir with anticipation. We eagerly prepare for the month of mercy, fasting, and spiritual renewal. But before we immerse ourselves in worship, there is a crucial step we often overlook the power of forgiveness.
In our daily lives, we accumulate emotional burdens, grudges, misunderstandings, and unresolved conflicts. Sometimes, these wounds fester for years, leaving our hearts heavy. But how can we enter Ramadan, a month of seeking Allah’s forgiveness, while still holding onto resentment? The truth is, we cannot fully embrace the blessings of Ramadan until we learn to forgive, both ourselves and others.
Think about a time when someone wronged you. Did the pain linger for days, months, or even years? Holding onto anger does not harm the offender as much as it harms us. Studies show that harboring grudges leads to stress, anxiety, and even physical health problems. It is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.
In contrast, forgiveness is liberating. It allows us to move forward, unchained from the past. It creates peace in our hearts, making room for love, understanding, and spiritual growth. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us:
لَا تَبَاغَضُوا، وَلَا تَحَاسَدُوا، وَلَا تَدَابَرُوا، وَكُونُوا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ إِخْوَانًا، وَلَا يَحِلُّ لِمُسْلِمٍ أَنْ يَهْجُرَ أَخَاهُ فَوْقَ ثَلَاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ
"Do not bear grudges against one another, nor envy one another, nor turn away from one another, but be servants of Allah as brothers. It is not lawful for a Muslim to boycott his brother for more than three days." (Bukhari & Muslim)
As we prepare for Ramadan, let us reflect on who do we need to forgive? Who do we need to reconcile with before we ask Allah for His mercy?
Ramadan is a month when Allah opens the doors of mercy and forgives even the gravest of sins. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا، غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ
"Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari & Muslim)
But there’s a condition, just as we seek Allah’s forgiveness, we must be willing to forgive others. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an:
وَلْيَعْفُوا وَلْيَصْفَحُوا ۗ أَلَا تُحِبُّونَ أَن يَغْفِرَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
"Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (Qur’an 24:22)
If we desire Allah’s forgiveness, we must embody that same mercy toward others. Forgiving is not a sign of weakness, it is a reflection of strength and faith.
Sometimes, the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. We dwell on past mistakes, feeling unworthy of redemption. But Ramadan is a reminder that Allah’s mercy is greater than our sins. No matter how far we have strayed, He is always ready to accept us if we turn to Him with sincerity.
قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا ۚ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
"Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'” (Qur’an 39:53)
If Allah is willing to forgive us, why do we struggle to forgive ourselves? This Ramadan, let go of guilt, embrace a fresh start, and strive to become better.
In conclusion as the crescent moon of Ramadan nears, let us enter the month with hearts that are light and free from grudges. Let us forgive those who have wronged us, seek forgiveness from those we have hurt, and most importantly, seek Allah’s mercy.
Forgiveness is not just an act, it is a gift we give to ourselves. This Ramadan, let us experience the true beauty of a purified heart, ready to embrace the blessings that Allah has in store for us.
May Allah fill our hearts with peace, grant us the strength to forgive, and accept our efforts in this blessed month. Ameen.