Al-Amn Magazine

ercy and forgiveness are natural human traits. God created humankind merciful and instilled in them a spirit of forgiveness and love. Even when angered or agitated, it is natural that after calming down, one regrets their actions and apologizes for any wrongdoing. Failure to do so indicates an abnormal situation. Forgiveness is the mark of nobility, and apologizing for mistakes is a virtue. Let us say that noble character should be a common language among all people, for it transcends color, race, religion, or sect. This is why Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, may God honor his face, said, “God has made noble character and its virtues a connection between us and Him,” meaning that good character is part of faith. Worshiping God and drawing closer to Him is the path to good character, mercy, love, and forgiveness. No one has the right to claim that good character is easily misunderstood or considered naive, because the difference in this case is as clear as day. The point is that rights can be restored through good character and adherence to established rules of respect and etiquette. You shouldn’t relinquish or neglect your rights; you can obtain them through good character, respect, and the law. For each of us to succeed in life, we must search within ourselves for our humanity and be forgiving of ourselves first, so that we can be forgiving of others. We must reduce the waves of anger and heated arguments that have acome to dominate many aspects of our lives, to the point where some argue and debate simply to prove their existence and their intellectual prowess, rather than seeking solutions to problems or settling disputes. Argumentation has become dominant, and the values of mercy, forgiveness, and overlooking mistakes have diminished. Has mercy truly faded from our hearts? I have reflected at length on the wisdom of the great Irish writer, George Bernard Shaw, when he said, “Two things define your character: your patience when you have nothing, and your actions when you have everything.” Patience is the key to relief and the foundation of morality and mercy. Generosity and tolerance are the hallmarks of high morals when you are among the wealthy. Be tolerant, loving, and avoid arguments, lest you fail and your strength be lost. Embrace life with a spirit of hope, love, and forgiveness. For your Creator is Forgiving, Generous, and Merciful, and you are all His servants. Let noble morals and good conduct be the foundation of life, for indeed, it is short, very short indeed. b i n d a i n a@b a t e l c o . c om . b h Maj. Gen. Mohammed Bin Daina L i fe i s short , very short i ndeed M Noonehas theright toclaimthatgood character iseasily misunderstood orconsidered naive, becausethe difference inthiscase isasclearasday LASTWORD