Finding Peace by Forgiving Those Who Hurt Me, Alhamdulillah

Assalamu alaikum. I’m Palestinian, born in an Arab country, and I’ve faced discrimination my whole life that often felt unbearable. My mother is a full citizen where I was born, yet because I’m Palestinian I’ve been treated almost as if I were stateless with very few rights. Anyone in my place would carry a lot of bitterness. A lot of people in our situation make du’a against those who wrong us, but I chose a different path. I pray that Allah guides my oppressors and I try to forgive them sincerely. Allah loves those who forgive. In Surah Al‑Imran [3:134] it mentions those who spend in Allah’s way, restrain their anger, and forgive others - Allah loves the doers of good. This approach changed me. It brought tawakkul, clarity, and a deep peace I didn’t expect. The person who wronged me is still a human being; the only One I truly rely on is Allah, and He is the One who decides my fate. That gave me a feeling of strength and calm. Today I met the person who sabotaged my career and blocked any chance of working in this field here just because I’m Palestinian, even though I’m very capable. After the meeting my Palestinian friend-who really needed the job-was in tears, furious, and making du’a against him. I, however, didn’t feel hatred. I made du’a that Allah guides him and went on with my day, trusting that rizq is with Allah. I sincerely believe that if this job wasn’t meant for me then something better is planned, because I did my best and Allah is the best of planners. No one can prevent the provision Allah has written for me. Truly, I’m grateful to this trial: it gave me the chance to practice forgiveness, patience, and tawakkul all at once. Forgiving freed me and made me stronger than I thought possible. I hope others can experience the same. When I tell friends what happened, they immediately make du’a against those who oppressed me and worry about me. I tell them I’m okay and hold no grudge, though they don’t always understand how I can be at peace.