Learn forgiveness from Abu Bakr (ra)

SubhanAllah, subhanAllah I read this and it really touched my heart in such a deep and reflective way. It made me think how sometimes our arrogance and stubbornness doesn’t allow us to forgive others.

After Ayesha (ra) was slandered in the most horrible way, Abu Bakr (ra) was naturally very upset. The man that had began the rumour was none other but a cousin, who Abu Bakr had been supporting financially. Like any of us would react, Abu Bakr (ra) withheld the sadaqah he had been giving to the slanderer when he learnt about the rumours. But soon after, the following verse was revealed:

“Let not those among you who are endured with grace and amplitude of means resolve by oath against helping their kinsmen, those in want and those who migrated in the path of Allah. Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? Indeed Allah is oft-Forgiving, most Merciful.” (24:22)

After hearing this Abu Bakr (ra) wanted Allah’s forgiveness, so he continued with the sadaqah and also increased the amount of money. This narration although told in simple terms, carries great meaning and lessons. Can we look deep into our hearts and confirm that we can do the same when someone breaks our heart or trust? It’s lovely to read stories of these great men, but very difficult to implement an ounce of what they did. We can only make dua Allah allows us such firmness in faith that as soon as we come across one of his commands, we look not to our arragonce but wish to only earn His (swt) pleasure.

We are not perfect, no one is – but we try by the Mercy of Allah, we continue to try, stumbling across the journey. InshaAllah, we are as reactive as Abu Bakr (ra) to Allah’s words.