The psychology of forgiveness and its status in the supplications of Sahifah al-Sajjadiyah

بسم الله الرّحمن الرّحیم

The psychology of forgiveness and its status in the supplications of Sahifah al-Sajjadiyah

Author: Ali Isazadag’an

Translator and editor: AbdolQhadir Mojahid Ghaznavi

 

Summary

The topic that has recently attracted the attention of positive psychologists and mental health experts is forgiveness. Researchers have shown that forgiveness is related to physical and mental health. It is interesting to note that this topic has also been emphasized in the Quran, Hadiths, and prayers. The aim of the present study is to review the Quranic verses and especially the 52 supplications of Sahifa Sajjadiyah with an emphasis on the topic of forgiveness. The review included theoretical definitions of forgiveness, the characteristics of forgiving individuals, and the examination of its benefits for physical and psychological health based on recent scientific texts. In this review, the structure of forgiveness in religious texts, with a focus on Hadiths and a greater emphasis on the supplications of Sahifah Sajjadiyah, was highlighted. The findings indicate that words such as pardon, forgiveness, and mercy have been mentioned more than 120 times in the Quranic verses, Hadiths, and especially in the supplications of Sahifa Sajjadiyah. It seems that the results of this review highlight the importance of interdisciplinary studies of religious concepts and their alignment with modern scientific texts.

Keywords: Psychology, forgiveness, mental health, positive psychology, supplication, Sahifah Sajjadiyah

 

Introduction:

The desire for revenge and the inclination for retaliation have existed among humans throughout history. One of the mechanisms that has helped individuals to succeed in social interaction is forgiveness, or in other words, a deliberate willingness to overlook the anger and disgust from the harmful actions committed by others.

The desire for revenge and the feeling of injustice and oppression are experiences that, when affecting the mental, physical, rational, and spiritual health of individuals, have led positive psychologists to conclude that one of the good ways to deal with these experiences is forgiveness, since forgiveness can change people's experiences and at the same time is a coping method with a crisis that can also be related to mental health. Positive psychologists are seeking to help individuals develop their abilities and qualities, including happiness, flexibility, optimism, hope, a sense of competence, goal setting, love, meaning, empathy, and forgiveness. Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don't Deserve was the subject of a book by Lewis B. Smedes published in 1984. The author of the book emphasized that individuals can heal themselves by forgiving those who have harmed them. This issue has drawn the attention of psychotherapists, psychologists, counselors, and other specialists. For example, neuroscientists have become interested in this subject, focusing on the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in forgiveness and the neurological events that occur during forgiveness. Family therapists, clinical psychologists, health psychologists, and positive psychologists have also paid attention to the subject.

Upon reviewing the scientific background related to the concept of forgiveness, it is observed that this concept has attracted the attention of personality psychologists, trainers, family therapists, positive health psychologists, as well as clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, and psychotherapists, and is mostly found in conflict resolution in interpersonal relationships, mental health, life satisfaction, mental well-being, and spiritual well-being. Therefore, the findings in general indicate that forgiveness, is specifically interrelated with responsibility, adaptability, extroversion, honesty, and humility, appreciation, hope, optimism, healthy social relationships, and family harmony. By reviewing religious texts, its benefits and effects can be generally examined from the perspective of the Quran, Hadith, and narrations. Based on religious texts, forgiveness has more individual, ethical, social, family, educational, and interpersonal relationship benefits, which requires these issues to be specifically examined.

Given the interest of health psychologists and a positive attitude towards forgiveness, with a little contemplation, it is observed that forgiveness is a religious and ethical concept. The question is whether this issue has been considered religiously or not?! And what is its place in religious texts, including the Quran, Hadith, and traditions? From a specific background, forgiveness in religious and sacred texts can be found, especially with an emphasis on Hadiths, narratives, and Quranic verses, it can be concluded that this issue has been of interest to the Prophet of Islam (PBUH&HF) and the Infallible Imams (PBUT) long before it became the focus of Western psychologists. For example, the envy of the brothers of Prophet Joseph (PBUH) led them to throw him into a well; but later, when Prophet Joseph (PBUH) was at the peak of his power, he forgave them. A review of the Quran reveals words related to this issue, such as "Ghafur," (Forgiver) "Tawwab," (Returner) and "Rahim" (Merciful). In the depths of the supplications of Imam Sajjad, one can see words like forgiveness, pardon, and mercy repeated many times. Although the subject is related to supplication and invocation, but all discussions and topics are not limited to invocations, needs, and requests; it includes many theoretical sciences, very educational, ethical, and psychological issues that are addressed in the supplications of Imam Sajjad (PBUH). The aim of this review article is to examine the psychology of forgiveness, its psychological effects on the process of mental health in the modern era, and on the other hand, to be examined in the Quran, Hadith, and especially the supplications of Sahifah Sajjadiyah. The innovative study of this issue in religious and cultural works, especially based on the verses of the Quran and the traditions, is that firstly, the issue of forgiveness is examined based on Islamic and indigenous culture, and secondly, the results obtained can help improve interpersonal relationships in various individual and social aspects, of course, by establishing a new model with precise modeling. The time has come to introduce a new Islamic psychology of health and positivity based on existing texts.

Forgiveness: Definitions and Theoretical Foundations

In Farhan (dictionary) Nafisi, forgiveness is defined linguistically as giving and granting forgiveness and pardon. In Amid dictionary, forgiveness means passing or ignoring from someone’s sin or fault, forgiving and granting. Moein dictionary defined it as showing mercy and forgiveness. The Bozorg Sokhan dictionary, defined it as giving something to someone without receiving anything in return and pardoning.

In theoretical terms, this concept is defined as a change in the interpersonal relationship between an individual and a perceived sin. It also means not only overlooking the expression negative emotion despite a transgression and sin, accompanied by a sense of compassion and mercy. In another definition, it is considered as a form of the forgiveness process encountering a sinful act which is considerable from the aspect of injustice. However, it is necessary to mention that forgiveness is not justification, indulgence, or rationalization, but rather broadly as a process in reducing internal emotions, motivations, and negative cognitions related to the internal aspects based on remorse, anger, and hatred.

The common theme of the definitions mentioned is turning a blind eye to revenge. Revenge is all about harboring mental dissatisfaction, resentment, anger, suffering, depression, and fear; but forgiveness is about reducing the desire for revenge and is more of a process than an event.

Personality traits and forgiveness

Based on the five-factor model of personality, the trait of forgiveness is positively associated with adaptability and negatively associated with neuroticism. Research in this area shows that religiosity and spirituality along with the five-factor model in personality are determinants in predicting the trait of forgiveness.

In general, forgiving individuals report less negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and hostility compared to non-compassionate individuals. Forgiving individuals also have less mental self-criticism and more empathy. Forgiving people also tend to have socially acceptable behaviors and attitudes.

Forgiveness, physical and mental health

Research in the field of health psychology suggests that those who have the ability to forgive are healthier mentally and physically.

Research in the field of health psychology and counseling among 259 individuals who had been trained on forgiveness and pardoning for sessions shows that people who had learned to forgive had better emotional and physical well-being. For example, after the experiment, physical and psychological symptoms such as insomnia, stomach pain, and stress-related back pain were significantly reduced in these individuals.

One of the things that is related to forgiveness and has received the most attention from researchers is "anger." Research has shown that anger is extremely bad for the heart. The release of stress hormones increases oxygen demand for heart muscle cells and blood platelet adhesion, leading to clotting; during anger, it explains how this emotion increases the chance of a heart attack. In addition, in times of high anger, the increase in heart rate from the normal level leads to an increase in blood pressure in the arteries and increases the risk of a heart attack.

Research has shown that people with higher scores in forgiveness have lower levels of depression and stress and have higher mental well-being. All six scales of psychological well-being (autonomy, environmental mastery, personal relationships, purpose in life, personal growth, and self-acceptance) are higher in individuals with higher forgiveness traits.

The effects and benefits of forgiveness and pardon from a religious perspective

The benefits and blessings of forgiveness and pardon have also been considered from a religious perspective. When forgiveness and generous pardons and gracious overlooking are done consciously, it will bring abundant blessings and productivity. One of its worldly effects can be the attainment of piety. God says in verse 237 of Surah Al-Baqarah:

وَأَنْ تَعْفُوا أَقْرَبُ لِلتَّقْوَىٰ

"If you pardon and overlook, it is closer to piety."

On the other hand, forgiveness and pardon lead to dignity. The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) says: “Forgiveness and pardon bring dignity and honor.” It also leads to the health of the soul and peace of mind and therefore, results in a longer life. The Holy Prophet (PBUH&HF) also says: “Forgiveness and pardon will lead to the health of the soul, peace of mind, and longevity.”

 It also leads to victory.

Imam Redha (PBUH) said: “Two groups never encountered (fought) with each other, except that the most forgiving one has won.”

 

Forgiveness from the perspective of the Quran and Hadith

Imam Sadiq (PBUH) defines "forgiveness" as: “Forgiveness is passing over a fault despite having the power and ability to take revenge. It is the way of the righteous ones and the meaning of forgiveness is that whenever someone commits a crime or fault against you, you do not express it to them, forget about it internally and externally, and treat them better than before.”

One of the characteristics mentioned in the Quran is forgiveness:

خُذِ ٱلۡعَفۡوَ وَأۡمُرۡ بِٱلۡعُرۡفِ وَأَعۡرِضۡ عَنِ ٱلۡجَٰهِلِينَ

“[O, Messenger!] Adopt Forgiveness And enjoin righteousness and turn Away from the ignorant ones!” (Surah A’raf, verse 199)

ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي ٱلسَّرَّآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ وَٱلۡكَٰظِمِينَ ٱلۡغَيۡظَ وَٱلۡعَافِينَ عَنِ ٱلنَّاسِۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ

“[The pious are:] Those who spend [In Allah's Way] both in prosperity and in adversity; and restrain [their] anger and forgive others; and verily, Allah Does like the good-doers;” (Surah A’le Imran, verse 134)

Forgiveness is in contrast to revenge. Forgiveness is giving up the right to retribution and compensation, and there are countless verses and hadiths praising it.

Prayer, supplication and forgiveness

Supplication and praying are the core of worship and one of the most important religious and spiritual practices that has played a very important role in the lives of people in all cultures throughout history, but until recently in the field of health psychology, counseling and psychotherapy it has received inadequate attention. Man is a being composed of three completely related fields, but at the same time separate domains, which are mainly the body, the mind, and the soul. Body and brain in the realm of biology, mind and soul are in the sphere of psychology and theology respectively, and without paying attention to these three areas, it is not possible to fully examine the relationship between health and being healthy with supplication.

It is during supplication that the soul brings unity and connection between the body and the mind. The balance between the three elements of the body, the mind and the soul is crucial for health. Today, the main criterion of mental health is intrapersonal and transpersonal balance and integrity.

One of the factors that is related to health is emotions, especially the way they are expressed. When emotions are not expressed and, in the opposite, suppressed more, people may become pessimistic about the future; See a conflict between what they are not and what they act like. Condemn themselves for dishonesty and this will also reduce their self-esteem. Therefore, anger, hatred, resentment, and annoyance can cause physical and mental disorders as suppressed emotions. But there is a coping strategy focused on emotion that can prevent these damages or minimize them, and that is ‘forgiveness’.

One of the effective mechanisms of supplication is that it increases positive emotions. Supplication affects the mood and calms the person and produces positive emotions such as joy, hope and love and leads to biological changes. In relation to these biological changes, we can mention healing and religious medicine among Muslims (for example: supplication, use of Quranic texts, Dhikr (recitation) or appeal to God and the holy water of Zamzam).

The verses related to healing in the Qur'an and the health practices derived from the hadiths of the Holy Prophet have led to an interesting field of research among Muslims, which they refer to as "prophetic medicine".

The family of Wahi, especially Imam Sajjad (PBUH), in the Sahifah of Sajjadiyah, according to the emphasis of the Qur'an and the beloved Prophet (PBUH&HF) and following his noble grandfather, Amir al-Mu'minin (The Commander of the Believers), Imam Ali, peace be upon him, have also mentioned the issue of forgiveness and pardoning in his supplications. When the Imam repeatedly asks for forgiveness and pardon from the Almighty God in his supplications, it makes anyone interested in the field of health psychology think that what kind of psychological effects of well-being and health can, this sort of asking for help, have in the individual and even social field?

The supplications of Sahifah Sajjadiyah and forgiveness

In a review of the supplications mentioned in Sahifah Sajjadiyah, there are approximately 11 supplications that specifically address the themes of pardon, forgiveness, and mercy.

By studying the supplications of Sahifah Sajjadiyah, we find that its educational system aims to purposefully guide human behavior in various social aspects, especially in the realm of social interactions. Based on Islamic principles and considering the Quranic verses and the teachings of the Prophet and his household, peace be upon him and his family, a deep emphasis is placed on the concept of forgiveness in the presence of the Creator. Therefore, the scale of forgiveness weighs heavier than punishment and retribution. In the Holy Quran, we come across many attributes of the Almighty, such as forgiveness and pardon, including (the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, the Generous, the All-Forgiving, and so on). Similarly, in the hadiths and traditions that have reached us from the Fourteen Infallibles (PBUT), such an attitude and mindset have been mentioned. In Sahifah Sajjadiyah, we read about the boundless divine forgiveness in the words of Imam Sajjad which an example from many is as follows:

أَنْتَ الَّذِی «وَسِعْتَ کلَّ شَیءٍ رَحْمَةً وَ عِلْماً» وَ أَنْتَ الَّذِی جَعَلْتَ لِکلِّ مَخْلُوقٍ فِی نِعَمِک سَهْماً وَ أَنْتَ الَّذِی عَفْوُهُ أَعْلَی مِنْ عِقَابِهِ وَ أَنْتَ الَّذِی تَسْعَی رَحْمَتُهُ أَمَامَ غَضَبِهِ وَ أَنْتَ الَّذِی عَطَاؤُهُ أَکثَرُ مِنْ مَنْعِهِ وَ أَنْتَ الَّذِی اتَّسَعَ الْخَلَائِقُ کلُّهُمْ فِی وُسْعِهِ وَ أَنْتَ الَّذِی لَا یرْغَبُ فِی جَزَاءِ مَنْ أَعْطَاهُ وَ أَنْتَ الَّذِی لَا یفْرِطُ فِی عِقَابِ مَنْ عَصَاهُ.

"You are the one who has encompassed everything with mercy and knowledge, and you are the one who has made for every creature a share in your blessings. You are the one whose forgiveness is higher than his punishment, and you are the one whose mercy precedes his wrath. You are the one whose giving is more than his withholding, and you are the one in whose vastness all creatures exist. You are the one who does not hesitate in rewarding those who give, and you are the one who does not neglect punishing those who disobey." (The 16th supplication of Sahifah Sajjadiyah)

Conclusion

In looking at the supplications of Sahifah Sajjadiyah mentioned, the Imam, in his merciful approach, asks for more compassion, kindness, and generosity from God Almighty. This attribute of forgiveness is evident in supplications 1, 2, and 3. In supplication 14, the Imam asks for help from Almighty God when facing injustice so that he can forgive others.

Forgiveness is an emotional and cognitive process that has multiple dimensions and increasingly can be seen as an important aspect of psychotherapy. It seems that for healthy social interaction, it is better to first forgive ourselves, second forgive our friends, and third forgive our enemies. However, it should be noted that forgiveness is neither given nor taken, but rather learned.

Based on the supplications of Sahifah Sajjadiyah, the positive effects of kindness and forgiveness in life can be examined in two individual and social aspects. The individual effects can be seen in mental and physical health, reduction of anxiety and depression, decrease in aggression, emotional stability, tranquility, blessings, increased sustenance, while the social effects can transform enmity and hatred into love and friendship, promote security and popularity, and attract people to the religion.