22. Forgive and Forget

Everyone makes mistakes. This is why Islam teaches the importance of forgiveness, and we are repeatedly reminded that Allah (SWT) is the Most Forgiving and Merciful. In this book, we seek to (a) explain why we should forgive others, and (b) help children learn what steps they should take when they are in need of forgiveness.

In our first story, “Forgive and Be Forgiven,” Amin realizes that when someone wrongs him, he shouldn’t retaliate. It is hard, but important, to be gracious and generous with others, especially when they make an unintended mistake or are remorseful, just as we hope that they will deal gently with us when we make a mistake. Further, how we treat others determines how God will treat us. We are advised to “pardon and excuse their faults,” for don’t we desire God to forgive us too? (24:22).

Our second story, “Apology Accepted,” teaches that when we make a mistake, we should not lose hope that we will be forgiven by others and by Allah (SWT). We are told, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins” (39:53). Therefore, we should be quick to admit we were wrong and follow four key steps: (1) sincerely apologize to the person we directly offended, (2) repent to Allah (SWT), (3) try to rectify the mistake, and (4) try to avoid making the same mistake again. When Shireen does something wrong during the Book Reading Challenge at school, she uses this very formula to make amends.