Forgiveness

Our beloved Nabī ﷺ is an excellent example for us. During his lifetime, Nabī ﷺ went through many tests and trials, and through them he taught us valuable lessons. These lessons show us that if we follow his example, we too can become loved by our friends, families, and even strangers.

Towards the beginning of his prophethood, when very few people were supporting Nabī ﷺ, he set off for a town near Makkah al-Mukarramah called Tā’if. This was shortly after the death of his beloved wife, Khadījah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā, who had been a great pillar of support for him. Nabī ﷺ went with a heart heavy with grief and sorrow, but also with hope that he might receive support from the people of Tā’if. This was the support that the people of his own hometown were refusing to give him and the believers. Instead, the Muslims were being tortured and persecuted, yet they remained steadfast upon Islām.

When Nabī ﷺ arrived in Tā’if, the people shunned him and mocked him. They threw stones at him until blood flowed from his blessed body. Allāh Ta’ālā sent Jibrīl ‘alayhis salām to Nabī ﷺ and gave him the option for the people of Tā’if to be crushed between the mountains. However, such was the mercy and compassion of our beloved Prophet ﷺ that, even in a state of deep grief and sorrow, he chose mercy. He hoped and prayed that someone from the future generations of the people of Tā’if would accept Islām.

MORAL
Dear children, we do not face such severe hardships in our lives. However, we do face smaller challenges and obstacles through which we can practise the mercy and compassion of the Nabī ﷺ. The results may not be immediate, but kindness and forgiveness will certainly make a person loved and respected among people.