Forgiveness Is a Virtue

By: Abdulaziz Ali Omer

The mass media outlets contributed to idisseminating violence and hate speech. Amidst the turbulent spate of mis-information , my attention is arrested by one of social peace advocates on the silver screen, George Qardahi He represents an Arabian Model of positive consciousness.
Who among us has not travelled aboard the plane of this Lebanese journalist and former Minister of Information, as it traced its path from Beirut to Tripoli, from Aleppo to the confluence of the two Niles in Khartoum, and across innumerable Arab runways—all on a noble mission of peace? Do you recall that elegant and radiant lady who stood at hundreds of doorsteps, extending invitations t cards to his television programme,,:”The Forgiving One is Kind”? Do you remember those frowned brows and hesitant glances when the studio veil was lifted, exposing the long-estranged guest ready for reconciliation? Surely, the tears of loved ones and friends still glisten in our memories—as they embraced in a heartfelt declaration that forgiveness and love had obliterated the dust of old rifts. Years of distance and split dissolved in a single moment of reunion, . Each one carried a story to tell and an apology to offer, and a fault to confess.
In George Qardahi’s programme, we saw a glimmer of hope, as we reflected on those we had lost touch with—and the faint, beautiful possibility of speaking to them again, of holding them close. . We felt a deep sadness when we learned of his passing in a plane crash. And thus ended the journey of a man who had spread the values of brotherhood and tolerance.
” The journalist , George Qaradahi said something very fine: “Two things define you: patience when you have nothing, and your morals when you have everything. You are great when you overlook the one who treats you badly, noble when you alleviate the sorrows of others, kind when you attend to those around you and beautiful when you smile regardless of the circumstances. Remember: one day we will pass away, but the mark we left will remain.