Rafed English
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People make mistakes. While in this arena of testing, they will make many mistakes and be wronged by other people. Most unbelievers are intolerant of mistakes and impatient with those who make them. If they are harmed by the mistakes of others, they often retaliate viciously. Religious morality, however, commands forgiveness and tolerance. Believers, aware of their total dependence upon God, know that they can make the same mistakes as others. Thus, they speak soothingly and are forgiving. The Qur'an reveals that God praises those who forgive:

Correct and courteous words accompanied by forgiveness are better than charity followed by insulting words. God is Rich Beyond Need, All-Forbearing. (Qur'an, 2:263) Whether you reveal a good act or keep it hidden, or pardon an evil act, God is Ever-Pardoning, All-Powerful. (Qur'an, 4:149)

Hold to forgiveness, command what is right, and turn away from the ignorant. (Qur'an, 7:199)

The Qur'an reveals that people who wish to be forgiven should forgive others and be tolerant:

Those of you possessing affluence and ample wealth should not make oaths that they will not give to their relatives, the very poor, and those who have migrated in the way of God. They should rather pardon and overlook. Would you not love God to forgive you? God is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Qur'an, 24:22)

The Torah states that believers must be patient and forgiving. One must not elaborate upon another person's mistakes, and must not surrender to rage and revenge:

A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs, 19:11) He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Proverbs, 17:9) Do not say: "I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did." (Proverbs, 24:29) The Bible states that forgiving others brings forgiveness from others (Luke, 6:37). People are required to say such prayers as: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew, 6:12). Other verses request believers to be forgiving and tolerant: ... clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive, as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians, 3:12-13)

Adapted from: "A Call for Unity" by: "Harun Yahya"