Islam attaches great importance to the concept of Allah pardoning sins so that one may be saved from Hellfire. On several occasions, the Qur’an gives such prayers as [Pardon us, absolve us and have mercy on us] (Al-Baqarah 2:286). Allah assures us that no matter what our sin, if we truly repent and seek His forgiveness and take steps to put right our wrongs, He will forgive us.

We are likewise asked to show mercy to our fellow men and to be [of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion] (Al-Balad 90:7). Since Allah is Himself forgiving, He desires that people should cultivate this attribute and show forgiveness to other human beings. Allah says [And let not those who possess dignity and ease among you swear not to give to the near of kin and to the needy, and to fugitives for the cause of Allah. Let them forgive and show indulgence. Yearn ye not that Allah may forgive you? Allah is Forgiving, Merciful] (An-Nur 24:22). He Almighty says in another verse [O ye who believe! Lo! among your wives and your children there are enemies for you, therefore beware of them. And if ye efface and overlook and forgive, then lo! Allah is Forgiving, Merciful] (At-Taghabun 64:14).

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) taught his followers that the individual who pardons his enemy, even while having the power to extract revenge, will be nearest to God in the Hereafter. Once the Prophet was asked, “How many times are we to forgive our servants’ faults?” He remained silent. The questioner repeated his question. But the Prophet gave no answer. But when the person asked a third time, he said, “Forgive your servant seventy times a day.”

The Qur’an makes it clear that a strong, adverse, emotional reaction such as anger does not befit the true believer, and instead cites as a mark of excellence the quality of forgiveness: [when they are wroth, forgive] (Ash-Shura 42:37).

* Excerpted with slight modifications from: http://www.alrisala.org/Articles/tazkiya/forgiveness.htm