To err is human, to forgive is divine

This saying is from “An Essay on Criticism,” by Alexander Pope. The basic meaning of Pope’s line is that any human can make a mistake, so we should try to forgive them, just as God is said to show divine mercy and forgive sinners. The first part to err is human means that every single person is fallible and bound to make mistakes, including ourselves. Err here refers to doing something that is wrong. The second half of the phrase refers to the act of forgiveness. All people commit sins and make mistakes. God forgives them, and people are acting in a godlike (divine) way when they forgive.

The holy prophet (PBUH) showed a humane behavior and treatment towards Jews and his enemies. An old lady who threw rubbish on his head regularly, when he often passed in front of her house, fell ill. The holy prophet (PBUH) moved into the house to acquire about her health. He was full of compassion. He forgave her on this bad action. The holy prophet (PBUH) taught Muslims to how forgive others on their lapses.

The Prophet (PBUH) was the most forgiving person. He was ever ready to forgive his enemies. When he went to Ta’if to preach the message of Allah, its people mistreated him. They abused him and hit him with stones. He left the city humiliated and wounded. When he took shelter under a tree, the angel of Allah visited him and told him that Allah sent him to destroy the people of Ta’if because of their sin of mistreating their Prophet. The Prophet -peace be upon him- prayed to Allah to save the people of Taif and forgave them, because what they did was out of their ignorance.
If you are in a privileged position, you must show humane attitude to your co workers. To be in a commanding position, one needs a big heart to accommodate the vagaries of one’s subordinates. If they make minor mistakes deliberate or otherwise, overlook them. Forgive them for their lapses. Man should show compassion, sympathy and forgiveness to others.

The maxim has been proved that forgiveness is a godly attribute. Forgiveness is one of the great virtues that all people should aspire for. We should avoid lapses of others and try to forgive them. If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.
(Mother Theresa)

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A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.