How important or central is forgiveness to the Islamic tradition?
Forgiveness is selfishness. If one desires to be forgiven for his offenses he must learn to forgive others. Especially, if one seeks forgiveness from God, he should learn to forgive others for their offenses. If one desires that God overlook his weaknesses, he should learn to overlook weaknesses of others. Forgiveness is important for two reasons: • Very importantly, for the after-life or the life hereafter. One forgives to seek forgiveness. Seeking forgiveness is a sign of humility and forgiving others is a sign of magnanimity. • Seeking forgiveness and forgiving others brings happiness in the worldly life – it’s a psychological thing. In addition, forgiving improves relations with people by bringing good reputation and respect. In the ancient world tribes and families carries on blood feud for generations because they could not forgive. Islam taught a middle path between turning the other cheek and never ending blood feud, that is, revenge to the extent harm done is allowed but forgi
