How to Forgive: Wisdom on Forgiveness from Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism and Islam

October 27, 2026

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Forgiveness is one of the hardest spiritual practices, and one of the most misunderstood. It doesn't mean pretending nothing happened or letting someone hurt you again. Across traditions, it is mostly about what resentment does to the person carrying it.

Hinduism: forgiveness as a strength

The Bhagavad Gita lists forgiveness (kshama) among the qualities of a steady, awakened person in chapter 16, alongside truthfulness and compassion. In chapter 2, Krishna also describes how attachment and craving lead to anger, and anger clouds judgment.

Seen this way, forgiveness is not weakness. It is what a clear mind does when it refuses to be ruled by anger.

We also look at steadiness of mind in 7 Bhagavad Gita Teachings for Anxiety and Overthinking.

Try today: Name one grudge you've been rehearsing, and ask what you gain by continuing to rehearse it.

Christianity: forgiven, so forgive

Forgiveness is central in the Gospels. In the Lord's Prayer, believers ask to be forgiven as they forgive others. On the cross, Jesus is described as asking for forgiveness for those who hurt him. Christian teaching also stresses that forgiving does not require you to deny that wrong was done.

Try today: Write down the hurt honestly, then write one sentence beginning "I am choosing to release...".

Carrying a grudge and not sure where to start? Describe it to Holy Guider and get a reflection from your own tradition, plus one small step to take today.

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Buddhism: hatred does not end hatred

The opening verses of the Dhammapada say that hatred is never ended by hatred, only by love. Another early verse compares holding a grudge to carrying a burning coal meant for someone else. Buddhist practice includes metta (loving-kindness), which starts with yourself and gradually widens to include difficult people.

Try today: Spend three minutes silently repeating "may I be free from suffering, may they be free from suffering."

Islam: pardon and overlook

The Quran repeatedly praises those who pardon. One verse asks believers whether they would not want God to forgive them, so they should forgive others (24:22). Another says that the reward of a wrong is a similar wrong, but whoever pardons and makes peace will be rewarded by God (42:40).

Islam also recognizes justice. Pardon is encouraged and praised, but it does not erase accountability.

Try today: Make a short dua asking for a heart that is able to let go.

Don't forget yourself

If you're unsure whether to reconnect with someone or walk away, our guide How to Make a Big Decision: Guidance from Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism and Islam can help you think it through. Writing a few lines each day also helps; see How to Start a Daily Spiritual Reflection Practice.

Many people can forgive others and still can't forgive themselves. All four traditions teach repentance and renewal, and the chance to begin again. Forgiveness is a process, and it's fine if it takes time.

Struggling to let something go? Describe the situation in your own words and Holy Guider will offer a focused reflection from the tradition you choose, plus a small practice to try today.

Get a reflection on forgiveness →

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