Parenting Perspective 

The most beautiful way to teach children about forgiveness and apology is to share with them the living example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who embodied both perfect humility and boundless mercy. His life demonstrates that offering an apology is not shameful and that granting forgiveness is not a weakness; rather, they are acts of strength, compassion, and true dignity. Sharing his examples with your child gives them a role model who is rooted in love and respect. 

Teaching Forgiveness Through His Example of Mercy 

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ forgave even his fiercest enemies. When the people of Makkah mistreated him and his followers for years, he did not hold on to grudges. On the historic day of the conquest of Makkah, instead of seeking revenge, he gathered the people who had harmed him and famously told them: “Go, for you are all free.” Teaching your children about this momentous event shows them that forgiveness is a powerful tool that builds peace rather than prolonging conflict. 

Teaching Apology Through His Example of Humility 

Although he was the Messenger of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would offer an apology when it was necessary. He would admit if he had spoken too firmly to someone or if a person’s feelings had been unintentionally hurt by his actions. This demonstrates to children that offering a sincere apology does not lower a person’s authority or status; on the contrary, it raises their level of respect and builds trust. 

Modelling These Prophetic Values at Home 

By retelling these powerful stories from his life and striving to practise these values in your own parenting, you can help your child to connect the acts of forgiveness and apology with strength and love, rather than with fear or weakness. 

Spiritual Insight 

The life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the greatest practical guide for learning about forgiveness and humility. He showed us through his own beautiful example that reconciling hearts is a means of attracting the mercy of Allah Almighty and strengthening one’s faith. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verses 159: 

‘So, it is by the mercy from Allah (Almighty) that you (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) are lenient with them; and if you had been harsh (in your speech) or restrained (in your heart), they would have dispersed from around you; so, then pardon them, and ask for their forgiveness (from Allah Almighty)…’ 

This verse reminds us that gentleness, the willingness to apologise, and the act of forgiving were central to the Prophet’s ﷺ leadership and are the keys to maintaining strong and loving bonds. His character was the embodiment of this mercy. 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 278, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The most beloved of Allah’s servants to Allah are those with the best character.’ 

This teaches us that forgiving others when they have wronged us and admitting our own mistakes are not small or insignificant acts; they are integral parts of the best character, which is so deeply beloved by Allah Almighty. By sharing these lessons, you can show your child that forgiveness and apology are not just good manners, but are in fact profound acts of worship. They learn that following the example of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in showing mercy and humility will make their own hearts softer, their relationships stronger, and their faith deeper.