A Philosophical Exploration of Forgiveness in Islam

Mriganka Sankar Poddar

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A Philosophical Exploration of Forgiveness in Islam

In: Forgiveness or Revenge? Restitution or Retribution?

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Mriganka Sankar Poddar

Mriganka Sankar Poddar
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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 13–20

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9781848883581_003

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In Arabic, the definition of ‘Islam’ is ‘submission.’ Spiritually, the term refers to self-submission to the will of God or Allah. Practically, the term refers to the establishment of peace. Like other major religions, Islam also emphasises practices which can nurture inner goodness of human beings. Very legitimately, it advocates the theory of monotheism. In Islam, we find the notions of universal brotherhood and socialism. Islam believes in the philosophy of harmony. In order to achieve harmony, it asks its followers to perform their duties – true performance of which will lead them to establish Islam and help them to become nearer to God. According to Islam, ‘To Forgive’ is an act that a man should perform in his everyday life. Again, Islam allows punishment (violence in other words) as a means to discourage hypocrites and disbelievers. In Islam, God alone is the creator of this universe and naturally He has the full authority over everything. So, the question arises – how can a person other than God have the authority to take up weapons to punish or kill the others? And if I am advised to be forgiving, then how can I be punishing? So, inconsistency may appear, when it allows practice of violence (punishment) and non-violence (forgiveness) to its followers as obligatory. In this chapter my aim is to analyse The Qur’an to show the consistency present in the main tenets of Islam, which can resolve apparent contradictions and provide us with a harmonious framework for inter-religious dialogue.

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Forgiveness or Revenge? Restitution or Retribution?

E-Book ISBN:: 9781848883581

Publisher:: Brill

Print Publication Date:: 01 Jan 2015

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- Biology
  - Psychology
- Social Sciences
  - Cultural Studies

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A Philosophical Exploration of Forgiveness in Islam

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Forgiveness or Revenge? Restitution or Retribution?

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