The Messenger of Allah(peace and blessings of Allah be to him) said:“God informed Prophet Moses (peace be to him) that of all God’s servants, the dearest to God was he who was strong enough to take revenge and yet forgives.”
(Mishkat al-Masabih; Baihaqi)
Forgiveness is the key to smooth functioning of society. It gives peace of mind and thus paves the way for social amity.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) says that the dearest in the eyes of Allah is one who is strong enough to take revenge and yet forgives. This is the climax of humanity as only a person whose heart is bubbling with the milk of human brotherhood can think so. At a time when innocents are targeted for no fault of their own, this Prophetic wisdom holds mirror to the people and the world as to how peace thrives in society and humanity shines with all its brilliance.
In another hadith reported on the authority of Imam Muslim, Abu Hurairah said someone urged Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) to call down a curse upon idol-worshippers. Thereupon the blessed Messenger said, “I have not been sent to curse. I have been sent as compassion.” This is another gem for social harmony.
In yet another hadith, Allah’s Messenger said, “You will not enter Paradise until you believe and you will not believe until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves.”