Christianity Islam Judaism Hinduism Buddhism

Forgiveness & Mercy

The capacity to forgive and be forgiven is central to spiritual life across all traditions. Whether understood as divine mercy (Rahman in Islam, chesed in Judaism) or as a practice of releasing resentment (in Buddhism), forgiveness is seen as both a gift from God and a discipline humans must cultivate toward one another.

Across the World's Religions

Christianity
Practice
Forgiveness through Christ's atonement
Key Text
Matthew 6:14-15; Luke 15:11-32
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Islam
Practice
Al-Rahman, Al-Rahim — divine mercy and pardon
Key Text
Quran 39:53, 4:110
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Judaism
Practice
Mechila (forgiveness), Teshuvah (repentance)
Key Text
Micah 7:18; Psalm 103:12
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Hinduism
Practice
Kshama (forgiveness) as divine virtue
Key Text
Bhagavad Gita 16:1-3; Mahabharata 3.29
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Buddhism
Practice
Metta (loving-kindness), release of ill-will
Key Text
Metta Sutta (Sn 1.8); Dhammapada 1-2
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