Forgiveness is the Sole Prerogative of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has advised that forgiveness is solely dependent on Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله and not on any virtuous deed alone. The simple reason is that no one can claim that he has worshipped Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله according to His Majestic status.
So, forgiveness may be due to some insignificant act of goodness. (However, one should realise that no good deed is insignificant). There is an incident of an individual who was excessive in Zikrullāh; he once ate a meal happily which was presented without any salt and spices. Due to him not showing any anger and displeasure towards the person who prepared the meal; this act was loved by Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله and he was forgiven for his sins.
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The Ability to Do Good…
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that the ability to do good deeds is a bounty from Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله.
It is important to examine the sequence for us to appreciate the mercy of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله;
- Firstly we have been instructed to do certain acts.
- Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله then gives us the courage to do so.
- Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله creates the appropriate circumstances to perform the virtuous acts.
- Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله then rewards us for the performance of the good deeds.
Is this not the mercy of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله upon us? How can we be proud of our achievements? We need to reflect and ponder at our sheer insignificance. Even this contemplation is a mercy from Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله.
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A Deception of Shaitan
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that Shaitān deceives one into thinking that by committing a particular sin, the urge to commit the sin later will decrease. This effect is temporary. Rather, the urge and temptation to sin in future will not only be stronger but will be even more devastating.
One must understand that involvement in sin weakens the servant’s bond with Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. The fear of punishment should further serve as a deterrent for slipping into transgression.
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Seeking Forgiveness
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has stated that if a person does not seek forgiveness because he feels that his sins are too many; this is indicative of his foolishness and being trapped by Shaitān. Outwardly it may appear that his thoughts show remorse but in fact it reflects his arrogance. How can one doubt the sheer benevolence and magnanimity of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله? Even if the entire world becomes rebellious towards Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله, it does not stop Him from forgiving those who have transgressed.
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Insensitivity Towards Sin
Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that one cannot feel the ill effects of transgression due to the body being desensitized by the deception of ignorance. But the effects of transgression will certainly be experienced one day.
Reflections
When an individual becomes immersed in sins, his heart becomes restless and agitated. Due to the evil effects of sin, one will utter inappropriate statements towards clear cut commands of the Shariah. The rights of people will be usurped and shamelessness will be the order of the day. This is the systematic sequence of deprivation.
A pious servant will always maintain his composure even in adverse circumstances; this gives testimony to his faith and conviction in the decisions of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله. One should therefore remove the cobwebs of disobedience through being steadfast in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala جل جلاله (Zikrullāh) and nurture the demands of obedience through the company of the Ahlullāh.