Comparison the concept of forgiveness in Quran and Enright’s theory of forgiveness: A preliminary study

Over the past three decades, forgiveness has got attention of many Western researchers in psychological studies. Among the definitions of forgiveness, Enright's is the most cited. So far, no study aimed to get a psychological definition of forgiveness based on the Quranic verses. This study aimed to obtain a definition, provide a theoretical model, and psychological conceptualization of forgiveness based on Quranic verses and compare it with Enright’s definition of forgiveness. A qualitative approach was used, and the data collection method was based on the library research and thematic dictionary of the Holy Quran. After extracting the relevant verses, the hidden and inductive qualitative content analysis method was examined to determine the components related to forgiveness, and finally, from the six extracted components, the proposed definition was presented along with a theoretical model. Regarding the six extracted components, the obtained definition indicates that despite revenge is a protected right, forgiveness means to pardon the transgressor and needs to refrain from impulsive reactions, being patience in the face of injustice, having mercy and goodness, and asking for divine forgiveness for the wrongdoer. A comparative study of the two definitions is consistent with each other and the proposed theoretical model and definition could be explored and utilized in future research. Also, this study emphasizes the importance of paying more attention to Qur'an due to its enormous capacity for extracting psychological teachings.