Forgiveness

Question 1

How does the Qur’an show that God is compassionate and merciful to sinners?

Answer 1

• On the Day of Judgement, God will deal with everyone as they deserve, but Muslims will be able to request mercy- how can ask for forgiveness if are not prepared to forgive?
• Qur’an says should forgive others’ sins against them
• many hadith from Prophet Muhammad about forgiveness and reconciliation

Question 2

Why are Muslims in favour of restorative justice?

Answer 2

• only way of bringing peace between criminal and victim- what the Qur’an encourages
• In Islam all Muslims are brothers and sisters who should help each other
• Qur’an says that on the Last Day, those who have not been brought face to face with the evil they have done and repented it will be punished

Question 3

Muslims Aid’s Prisoner Project

Answer 3

a Prison Mentor will be allocated to an inmate and help them through their release, with practical support and advice

Question 4

SofA for forgiveness

Answer 4

• ‘Be forgiving and control yourself in the face of provocation; give justice to the person who was unfair and unjust to you’ - hadith
• the Bismillah
• Surah 39: ‘truly God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful’ - suggests Muslims should never despair of God’s mercy