The Gratitude of Victory
فتح اور شکرانہ
إِذَا قَدَرْتَ عَلَى عَدُوِّكَ فَاجْعَلِ الْعَفْوَ عَنْهُ شُكْراً لِلْقُدْرَةِ عَلَيْهِ.
جب تم اپنے دشمن پر قابو پا لو، تو اس پر قدرت پانے کا شکرانہ اس کو معاف کر دینا قرار دو۔
“When you gain power over your enemy, let your forgiveness of him be the gratitude for your having gained power over him.”
Reflections: Imam Ali ؑ redefines the moment of victory. To the worldly mind, victory is a time for revenge or the display of force. However, to the spiritual mind, the ability to defeat an opponent is a blessing from Allah. The best way to show gratitude for this Divine gift of “power” is through mercy. By forgiving when you have the absolute right and ability to punish, you conquer not just your enemy, but also your own ego.