Children feel hurt strongly and can hold on to it for days. Forgiveness can be learnt.
What Islam teaches
- “Let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like Allah to forgive you?” (Quran 24:22).
- “Whoever pardons and makes peace, his reward is with Allah” (Quran 42:40).
Stories of forgiveness
| Story | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Yusuf forgave the brothers who threw him in a well: “No blame on you today” (12:92) | Even big hurts can be forgiven |
| The Prophet ﷺ forgave the people of Makkah who had persecuted him, when he returned in victory | Forgiveness is strength, not weakness |
Three steps for children
- Name it: “I felt hurt when she took my toy.”
- Talk: say it calmly to the person, or to you.
- Let go: “I forgive you,” and make dua for them.
Forgiving is not accepting harm
If someone keeps hurting your child (bullying, unsafe behaviour), forgiving doesn’t mean staying silent. Tell your child: “You can forgive, and still tell a grown-up and stay safe.”
Model it
Let your children see you forgive, and say it aloud: “I was upset with Uncle, but I’ve forgiven him.”
Teacher’s tip: at bedtime, ask: “Is there anyone you need to forgive today?” Going to sleep with a clean heart is a beautiful habit.
Related: Apologising properly and Prophet Yusuf.
