Wisdom 10
Imam Ali (A.S.) said:
“When you gain power over your enemy, let forgiveness of him be your gratitude for having power over him.”
Keywords
You Gain Power (قَدَرْتَ): To overcome, gain control over, or become capable of defeating an opponent.
Then Make (فَاجْعَل): To make, render, or choose.
Summary of Wisdom 10
Every blessing has its own unique form of gratitude. The proper way to thank Allah for the blessing of victory and power is to forgive those who are now weak and defeated.
A beautiful example is Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (A.S.), who forgave his brothers after they had thrown him into a well and separated him from his father for many years. Forgiveness at the moment of power is not only gratitude for victory but also a means of transforming former enemies into future friends.
Commentary
1. Gratitude Is Both Verbal and Practical
True gratitude is not limited to words of thanks. It must also be demonstrated through action.
Every blessing carries its own practical form of gratitude:
- The gratitude for wealth is sharing it generously with others.
- The gratitude for authority is serving people and fulfilling their needs.
- The gratitude for good health is using it in beneficial and righteous ways.
- The gratitude for eyesight is avoiding sinful sights and using one’s vision for good.
- The gratitude for victory over an enemy is forgiveness.
Forgiveness is the characteristic of the noble, while revenge is the habit of the ignoble.
When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & His Family) conquered Makkah after years of persecution, loss, and suffering, he declared:
“Today is the day of mercy.”
2. Justice Must Accompany Power
Every government should possess strength, but power without justice becomes oppression and is destined to fail.
On the other hand, a just and powerful government may sometimes choose forgiveness when doing so best serves the public interest. Fair laws may not always reform every offender, whereas compassion and mercy can sometimes transform hearts more effectively than punishment alone.
For this reason, wise leaders should use forgiveness as a means of guidance and reconciliation whenever appropriate.
Examples include the Prophet’s general amnesty after the conquest of Makkah, which won many former enemies to Islam.
3. The Proper Place for Forgiveness
Forgiveness primarily applies to personal rights and personal offenses.
However, when it comes to enforcing Divine laws, protecting the rights of others, or upholding justice, forgiveness cannot be exercised arbitrarily. Exceptions may only be made when preserving a greater public interest, and only under the authority of the legitimate Islamic leadership.
4. Revenge Is Ingratitude for the Blessing of Power
This wisdom teaches that abusing one’s power through revenge is a form of ingratitude.
Just as forgiveness increases Allah’s blessings, revenge and misuse of authority may cause those blessings to be withdrawn.
As Allah says:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you; but if you are ungrateful, indeed My punishment is severe.” (Qur’an 14:7)
Practical Lessons
- Every blessing from Allah deserves both verbal gratitude and practical gratitude.
- To practice gratitude correctly, we should understand the specific responsibility that accompanies each blessing Allah grants us.
- The form of gratitude should always correspond to the blessing itself. Wealth, health, authority, knowledge, and victory each require a different expression of thankfulness.
Reflection
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH & His Family) is reported to have said:
“On the Day of Resurrection, a caller will announce: ‘Whoever has a reward due from Allah should stand.’ None will stand except those who forgave others.”
He then recited the verse:
“Whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward rests with Allah.” (Qur’an 42:40)
Self-Assessment
- What are the different types of gratitude? Explain each of them.
- In what situations is forgiveness appropriate, and in which situations is it not applicable?
Related Articles
- Wisdom 10 – The Illuminated Path: Commentary on the Wisdoms of Nahj al-Balagha of Imam Ali (A.S.)
- Wisdom 10 – Nahj al-Balagha, Imam Ali (A.S.)
- The Illuminated Path: Commentary on the Wisdoms of Nahj al-Balagha – Wisdom 1