Feature: The "god" Who Never Forgives

Kandey Alhassan August 01, 2021 0

Back in senior high, I was appointed as the Assistant House Prefect of my house in my second year. Achimota School already grooms us through the hard and discipline approach which was actually difficult to bend. From the start, my seniors and mates already predicted I will be a prefect, specifically, the house prefect. This was just because of the hardworking, respectful and humble characters I exhibited from my first day in school. Later during my service to the house, my house master mentioned it to me that I was actually nominated for two positions. And that was, a house prefect and the sports prefect of the school. He had to battle it out at the administration in order to secure my dedication to the house only. 

Guggisberg house had two house prefects, just like most of the other houses, with the exception of some few which had three prefects for the house. Lemuel Koomson was my boss. A very calm, gentle but principled young man who led us well. Instead, I was the crazy, tough, difficult and principled one who always had to battle issues with my people to make them obey. As at that time, I only believed in one doctrine, “be hard on them, they will bend to your side”. I used this throughout my tenure and that was exactly what my house masters wanted me to be. Lemuel was too gentle to supervise our mates during a cleanup exercise or punishment. I mostly did the supervision of our mates while he supervised the juniors. 

What even infuriated my people the more was the smartness I possessed. I spent lots of time observing and studying their moves, hence, I could easily conclude on an action even without being present whilst it happened. I rarely gave second chances. If you violate a rule and it’s reported to me, you will definitely find yourself being useful to the house or the school. Shakur, a colleague in the house, was actually eating from my iron ruling. Anytime he caught a junior messing up, he threatens him with my name and this unfortunate victim will have to settle him by paying him with cash or an asset from his chop box to stop him from reporting the matter to me.

I was the last person everyone wanted around during an inspection. The moments were hot and very terrifying for some people. I was informed of an incident that happened in my absence which actually got me laughing. Usually, we are given a day or two to come home to celebrate Eid when we find ourselves in school during that period. This particular incident happened when Eid fell on a Thursday. We had to leave school on Wednesday evening and return on Thursday before 5pm. I picked a bag after school that day then found myself on the journey to the house. I was told there was a jubilation by some juniors just for my one day absence since they will at least have the liberty to do things within their own will. Such was the headache I was giving others...

But one thing kept biting me anytime I decide to spend some time by myself just to reflect on my life. I always had situations where students who were guilty will beg me for mercy and pardon for their mistakes. In some instances, I pardon them and in other instances, I ignore the plea and move ahead with the punishment. I ask myself sometimes about the mercy of Allah. The Lord who’s mercy is infinite and greater than the faults of all humans collectively. Allah speaks to us about his forgiveness to anyone who asks for pardon regardless of the magnitude of the sin. This always struck me when I find myself in a dilemma to either forgive a defaulter or to punish him. 

The theme here is how much forgiveness we have in our hearts towards our brothers and sisters. How often do we keep an offense against us at heart rather than let go and forgive. How many times we forgive offenders even before they apologize. We tend to appreciate the mercy of Allah and always turn to him for forgiveness as much as we keep committing sins. 

It’s human nature that others struggle to forgive people who offend them. We can’t compare our personalities as humans to the qualities God possesses. All we can do is to learn and try to be near that perfection. Forgiveness has been underrated in our societies these days. So many people are okay  living with others they can’t even look into their faces. Siblings are ready to cut family ties over petty issues that can be resolved simply. It’s very pathetic. 

As you sit to pray for Allah’s forgiveness, pray for a heart of forgiveness as well. As we wish for second chances from Allah for our misdeeds, let’s remember those who offended us and tried to resolve issues with us. If God was a God who never forgave, ask yourself where your place will be in the hereafter.

By Luqman Dabone