MAGNANIMITY IN ISLAM

S.M. Moin Qureshi      

According to Islam, virtues fall into two broad categories i.e. those which are means, e.g., magnanimity, patience, repentance, truthfulness, and those which are means as well as ends, e.g., absolute reliance on God (Tawakkul) and thankful praise (Shukr) unto Him.

Magnanimity, like other virtues of the first category mentioned, is related to the present state of the working of one’s heart. It is an act which benefits persons other than those from whom the act proceeds without any obligation. The holy Quraan mentions three types of believers with regard to pious conduct. Those who practice justice and fair-mindedness in their dealings belong to the group of Saalihoon (the righteous ones). In addition to this, if they observe magnanimity, they will be Muqarraboon (the near ones to Allah), and if they devoutly attend to their religious duties along with the above, they will be Siddiqoon (the truthful ones).

As a matter of principle, Islamic civil code requires to treat one and all on the basis of truth and justice. Whoever has been oppressed, high or low, distinguished or common, patrician or plebeian, Arab or non-Arab has a right to retaliation equal to the harm done:

“...Life for life, eye for eye, nose for nose, ear for ear, tooth for tooth and wounds equal for equal...” (Al-Maaidah: 45)

By enforcing this equality, Islam has appreciably mitigated the horrors of the pre-Islamic custom of retaliation. It is just to meet the ends of justice and does, in no way, envisage returning evil for evil which in fact applied to the blood feuds of the Days of Ignorance. At another place in the holy Quraan, this measure of equality is elaborated thus:

“O you who believe! The Law of Equality in punishment is prescribed to you in case of a murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman...” (Al-Baqarah: 178)

However, Islam professes magnanimity and irrespective of faith, race, region, or color, it honors the entire humanity. Mankind is raised to a position of dignity above the brute creation on the one hand and the angels, on the other. Then, man has been created in the best of mould, symmetry, form, nature and constitution. Hence, Allah exalted him higher than all other creations. In the Quraan, the Almighty proclaims:

“And indeed We have honored the children of Adam...” (Bani Israel: 70)

“And (remember) when We said to the angels: Prostrate yourselves before Adam...” (Al-Baqarah: 34)

Verily We created man of the best stature” (At-teen: 4)

Islam regards this honor as the birth-right of all persons and it is the duty of the state to protect this right without distinction. Islamic law takes man to even higher place and requires that decisions regarding reward and punishment of human actions will be taken by the Almighty not on the basis of their outward appearance but in accordance with their intention.

Prophet Muhammad (SallAllaho alaihe wasallam) said, “Actions are to be judged only by intentions.” At another place he observed, “The intention of the believer is better than his action.” Interpreting this Tradition, Imam Ghazali argued, “Intention without action is superior to action without intention since action without intention is not worship though intention without action is worship.”

This leads to the inference that the catalyst behind good actions is the desire for nearness to Allah unadulterated by any worldly or selfish motive. When action is motivated by this (one) force alone, the state of the self is called Ikhlaas (single-mindedness in purpose) i.e. seeking the countenance of only Allah ignoring all other objectives. The Quraan commands:

“O you who believe! Bow down and prostrate yourselves and worship your Lord and do good that you maybe successful.” (Al-Hajj: 77)

The Quraan praises those “...who repress anger, and who pardon men; Verily Allah loves the good-doer.” (Aal-e-’Imraan: 134)

Indeed a great heart can only pardon and confess mistakes. Hadhrat Ali said that the following words were inscribed on the sword of the Holy Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wasallam): “Pardon one who does harm to you; join him who cuts you off, do good to him who does evil to you and speak the truth although it be against you.”

Hadhrat Abu Hurairah reported the Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wasallam) as saying, “Moses, son of ‘Imraan had asked, O my Lord! Who is the most honorable of Thy servants to Thee? He said: He who pardons when he is in a position of power.” The Almighty Allah forgives what is wrong and is able to fully appreciate and judge the value of our good deeds whether we make them known or hide them from others. The Quraan ordains:

“Whether you (mankind) make open (by good words of thanks) a good deed (done to you in the form of a favor by someone) or conceal it or cover evil with pardon. Verily: Allah is ever Oft-pardoning, All-powerful.” (An-Nisaa: 149)

Islam practices what it preaches. It demands of every individual to always remember that he is part of the universe which is the creation of the most gracious, most merciful Creator whose blessings extend to all and sundry. Therefore, every one ought to make himself the manifestation of His attribute of mercy. Islamic legislation takes its magnanimity to perfection when it brings men, animals, plants and even inanimate objects, the earth, the heavens, to the slavery of Allah and obedience to the law of nature. The Quraan declares:

“The seven heavens and the earth and all that is therein glorify Him and there is not a thing but celebrate His praise. But you understand not their praise. Truly He is Oft-forbearing, Most-forgiving.” (Bani Israeel: 44)

The Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wasallam) set an inimitable example of magnanimity on the occasion of the historical bloodless conquest of Makkah al Mukarramah leading some ten thousand companions. The city which had treated him so cruelly for thirteen years, driven him and his faithful band to seek refuge amongst almost strangers, which had sworn his life and the lives of his devoted disciples, lay at his feet. His old persecutors, relentless and ruthless, were now completely at his mercy. But in the hour of his triumph, every evil suffered was forgotten, every injury inflicted was forgiven and a general amnesty was proclaimed. The holy Prophet (SallAllaho alaihe wasallam) addressed the people of the vanquished city: “I will speak to you as Yousuf (Peace be upon him) had spoken to his brothers:

“...No reproach on you this day, may Allah forgive you, and He is the most Merciful of those who show mercy!” (Yousuf: 92) 

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