We have discussed this issue in detail in the previous chapter, which made reality of this theme far more lucid for the readers. We have made it clear that those who failed to distinguish the dividing line between promise and warning have made incorrect interpretation of the Qur’anic Verses. As a result, they labelled intercession as an unacceptable act. However, every sensible person knew that to go back on a promise for good deeds was a detestable act but forgiveness for breach of a warning for some wrongdoings was an act of mercy and benevolence.

When fulfilment of a promise and forgiveness of misconduct were credible acts, then how could God deny this attribute for Himself? Moreover, when God had commanded his people to be kind and compassionate, then how could He negate it for His Being, particularly when He had declared in the Qur’an:

أَتَأْمُرُونَ ٱلنَّاسَ بِٱلْبِرِّ وَتَنسَوْنَ أَنفُسَكُمْ

“Do you ask others to be virtuous and deny the same rule for yourself?” (2:44).

Additionally, there were several examples of the eligibility of this concept in both the Qur’an and Hadith, therefore, He declared about the fulfilment of a promise,

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُخْلِفُ الْمِيعَادَ

“God does not go back on His Promise” (13:31).

So far as forgiveness was concerned, He spoke to the believers,

قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ

“O, My servants, who have committed excesses on their being, do not be disappointed with the grace of Your Lord, He can forgive all sins” (39:53).

He further said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا

“It is possible that God might forgive all of your sins” (39:53).

It is reported in Bihar-ul-Anwar from the Prophet on the authority of Imam Ja’far As-Sadiq (‘a) that the Prophet (S) had said - “If God has promised an individual a benefit on a virtuous deed, He would certainly deliver it, and wherever He has warned someone of punishment on an evil exploit, then He reserves the right, to either forgive him or punish him, except shirk that He will never excuse. As far as those, who repent on their misconduct are concerned, their sins are forgiven irrespective of their nature.”