The qualities of those whom Allah loves are described in The Holy Quran vividly:
spending in ease or difficulty, restraining anger at moments of provocation, and pardoning people’s faults, each trait building upon the last (3:135).
The concept of ‘Afw is not just simple forgiveness; it is erasing from the heart any resentment or memory of the wrong, transforming the person so that even traces of anger are removed. It requires active striving and righteous vigilance. When attributed to God, ‘Afw means He not only forgives the servant’s misdeed but erases all its effects, leaving no trace.
Whether you make public a good deed or perform it secretly, or pardon a wrong, Allah is surely very Forgiving, and determines the measure of everything. (4:150)
This progression manifests in three stages.
- First, a believer conquers anger within himself.
- Second, he actively pardons the offender.
- Third, he moves beyond pardon and performs an act of kindness or favor for the one who wronged him.
This comprehensive benevolence is illustrated by the incident of Hazrat Hasan(ra) , son of Hazrat Ali(ra) and grandson of the Holy Prophet(sa), who, when wronged by his slave, first held back from punishment, then forgave him, and finally set him free, fulfilling all three layers of these divine qualities.
The meaning is deepened by other verses.
Good and evil are not alike. Repel evil with that which is best; then see, the one who was your enemy will become as a warm friend (41:35).
Those who avoid major sins and indecencies, and when angered, forgive (42:38).
Allah promises vast forgiveness and an honored station to those who avoid grave sins:
So ascribe not purity to yourselves. He knows best who is truly righteous (4:32 53:33).
Throughout the Quran, Salat and Zakat appear together about twenty eight times, emphasizing their inseparable connection. While Salat represents the perfection of one’s relationship with Allah through worship, Zakat embodies the perfection of one’s relationship with creation through generosity and compassion.
In these verses (3:135), however, the underlying spirit of Zakat is expressed not through the formal payment alone, but through the broader qualities of spending in all circumstances, controlling anger, and forgiving others. In other words, the same generous, selfless spirit that moves a person to give Zakat must also move him to master his nafs, persevere in charity regardless of his condition, and rise above the natural human instinct for revenge or retaliation.
The Holy Prophet(sa) made this teaching a living reality, stating,
The strong one is not he who defeats others in wrestling, but the one who controls himself in anger.
In another narration:
Charity does not decrease wealth. No one forgives another except that Allah increases him in honor. No one humbles himself for Allah except that Allah raises him.
Such guidance shows how the path of internal jihad, control of the self, and forgiving others leads to true growth.
The Promised Messiah(as) emphasized these same qualities. In his book Kashti Nuh (Noah’s Ark), he emphasized:
God desires a complete transformation in your being and He demands from you a death where after He should revive you. Hasten to make peace with one another and forgive your brethren their sins. For he who is not inclined to make peace with his brother is wicked and will be cut off, because he is the cause of dissension.
Together, these verses and traditions portray the identity of a true believer: generous in all states, in control of anger, genuinely forgiving, excelling in good to all including adversaries, avoiding great sins, and showing humility.
Such a person is beloved by Allah and finds mercy, forgiveness, and honor in His sight.