A look at the exemplary way that our prophet (PBUH) handled this tough task, reveals his tremendous inner strength. Our beloved Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) not only had the ability to forgive the perpetrators , but also used to go a step forward and show care & concern towards their well being. Same as what Christians quote Jesus (Eesa-alaihissalam) as having cried out to the almighty: � God, forgive them for they know not what they say/do.�
Allah-taala Himself has granted us this immense power to forgive by with-holding His own right to forgive on behalf of the sufferers. He wanted the victim to hold this exclusive right to grant pardon. If we see from the psychological point of view also, this has a multiple effect on the person forgiving the other: 1) The forgiver definitely holds a higher level of respect in his own + the world�s + Allah�s eyes. 2) Once we forgive, we get this feeling of unburdening ourselves and we feel lighter whilst otherwise, when we hold a grudge, it tends to act as acid and erodes our own personality and life. 3) The act of forgiving releases us from others� control and others� attitude or ill-will does us no torture or gives us no sleepless nights. 4) Most importantly, it makes us realize that � to err is human and to forgive divine�. Thereby generating increased self acceptance.
Few of us realize the power of pardon, most of us believe in the macho-power of unleashing our fury onto our enemies: big or small. It might appear that strength could be projected by way of bringing down buildings or by maiming/killing innocent and helpless human beings. But, it�s not strength that shines through in acts of violence but what comes through is sheer lunacy, which is certainly not a positive factor.
Real strength comes from the knowledge that each one of us is unique and not superior or inferior to one another. All of us have a place in this world. Also, nobody is superior by birth as even Nooh-alaihissalam�s son was not granted Allah�s pardon for being his son. Nor was our own prophet (PBUH) allowed to seek Allah�s pardon for his (PBUH) own uncle who had not embraced Islam despite repeated pleas from our prophet (PBUH).
In conclusion:
From the Islamic perspective, when we grant pardon to those who have hurt us, we also stand a good chance of being forgiven. As Allah likes those who forgive others and He might instill the same wish in those whom we have hurt (intentionally or otherwise) to forgive us.
My fervent prayer is that may Allah-taala grant each one of us the enormous strength required to step forward and forgive our enemies with all our hearts. Then we all can truly say that we have risen above the petty ways of this transient world.