Forgiveness and Justice: When the Prophet Smiled.

[Abu Hafsat]

 As-Salaam alaikum,

  The Noble Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, said: 

    ''I smile because of 2 men from my Nation, who shall knell in the Presence of the Lord of Power. One of them says:

    'O my Lord, grant me retaliation for the wrong which my brother did to me.'  And Allah says:

   'Give your brother that in which he was wronged.'

  'O Lord, he says, 'none of my righteous works remain.' Then Allah Ta'ala [the Exalted] says to the man who made

  the demand: 'What shall you do with your brother, seeing that none of his righteous works remain?' And he replies:

 'O my Lord, let him bear some of my burdens in my stead.'  And Allah's Messenger wept, as he said:

'Truly, that shall be a fearsome Day, a Day when men have need of others to bear their burdens.' Then he said:

'Allah shall say to one who made the request: 'Lift up your head and look to the Gardens.'  This he does, and he says:

'O my Lord, I see high cities of silver, and golden palaces wreathed about with pearls. For which Prophet shall they be, or

which Saint or martyr?'  And He said: 'They belong to whomsoever pays Me their Price.'

'O my Lord, he says, 'And who possesses such a price?'  You possess it', He replies. 'And what might it be?' he asks, and He

says: 'Your forgiveness of your brother.'

'O my Lord, he says, 'I have forgiven him!' Then Allah the Exalted says: 'Take your brother's hand and bring him into Heaven.'

Then Allah's Messenger recited part of 1st verse in Surat Anfal of the Holy Qur'an: ''...Fear Allah, and make reconciliation

among yourselves'' (8:1)  (Al-Hakim al-Nisaburi: al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihayn) IV, 576.