True mercy found through forgiveness and self-reflection - Mufti Menk

KUALA LUMPUR – True mercy from Allah unfolds through forgiveness, letting go of grudges and engaging in sincere self-reflection that purifies the soul and strengthens our connection with Him.

Forgiveness is not just a virtue; it opens the path to peace, healing and Allah’s mercy.

Mufti Menk. Photo: Faith Events

At the recent Serene Soul: When Desires Meet Divine Orders conference, organised by Faith Events and CIMB Islamic, internationally renowned scholar Dr Ismail Menk, also known as Mufti Menk, shared profound insights on spiritual growth, focusing on the power of letting go.

“One key way to attain Allah’s mercy is by learning to forgive others. Letting go of grudges, especially over minor issues, is a powerful form of inner cleansing,” Menk said to the packed audience.

He described that everyone faces hurt and wrongdoings in life.

While some are serious and may require standing up for one’s rights, many are small matters that can and should be released.

"What do I truly gain or lose by holding on, and what peace might I find by letting go?" he asked, encouraging the audience to reflect.

Menk stated that releasing minor grievances often lightens the heart and mind far more than clinging to them.

He also addressed the challenges of dealing with online negativity in today’s social media-driven world.

“In today’s age, hateful or ugly comments can affect us deeply, leading to stress, sleeplessness, or even depression. Learn to laugh, ignore, or move on. You can block the person or simply brush it off.

“If you don't have the thick skin to handle online negativity, perhaps it's better not to be active on social platforms. You must know how to navigate this space wisely or avoid it altogether," he said.

He clarified that letting go does not mean tolerating injustice.

“This is not to say you should never stand up for yourself. If someone violates your rights in a serious way, you have every right to defend yourself respectfully," he said.

Menk also discussed how mindset plays a key role in forgiveness.

“By adjusting how we think, we can find peace. Letting go of small offenses doesn’t make you weak; it opens you to Allah’s blessings in unexpected ways,” he said.

He urged the audience to reflect on their own actions: “Are you sometimes the cause of others’ pain?”

While it's easy to hold onto grudges, Menk reminded the crowd that we often overlook the pain we may have caused others.

He encouraged everyone to seek Allah’s forgiveness, show compassion, and avoid being the cause of someone else’s suffering.

“Purify your heart from within.

“Become more mindful of your speech, more polite in your interactions, and more helpful in your environment. When you change yourself, you contribute to creating a better and more beautiful space for everyone around you," he said.

Menk said that true purification of the heart comes from Allah, the Owner of our hearts.

He urged the audience to remember Allah often, engage in sincere prayer and spend more time in prostration to reach Him.

“Push yourself, even when you feel lazy.

“If you don’t take responsibility for your own spiritual growth, no one else will. Without that effort, you risk losing not just time, but peace, mercy, and connection that bring you closer to Paradise," he said.

Faith Events founder Khairul Amar Razali described the conference’s theme as an inward journey to realign the heart with the Creator’s will.

He viewed the event as a sacred space for spiritual renewal, where attendees could pause, listen deeply and reflect with sincerity.

“Through the wisdom of our speakers and the collective presence of everyone here, may we gain fresh insight, strengthen our intentions, and deepen our sense of purpose.

“I’m truly thankful to all who’ve poured their time and effort into making this event possible. May every step taken to attend be counted as an act of worship, and may every moment here draw us closer to the One who knows our souls best. Let us begin with the pure intention to seek His pleasure alone, and may this day help each of us discover the peace that comes from aligning our hearts with divine guidance. From the river to the sea, may Palestine be free, InshaAllah,” Khairul said.

Also present was CIMB Islamic Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff who reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to holistic well-being.

He stated that this marked CIMB’s second year partnering with Faith Events, following a successful series of five events last year, which attracted 12,500 attendees.

This year’s focus is on a major two-day event featuring three international scholars.

“At CIMB Islamic, our role extends beyond organising events; we aim to support customers in both their financial and spiritual growth by encouraging reflection, core values and uplifting others.

“The invited scholars for Serene Soul: When Desires Meet Divine Orders, including Menk, bring diverse global perspectives, particularly from non-Muslim-majority countries, offering fresh insights into faith within Malaysia’s multicultural society," Shahriman said.

He also highlighted CIMB’s commitment to ethical banking with value-based offerings like the environmental, social and governance (ESG)-aligned Durian-i product and upcoming Islamic Estate Planning and Wealth Management Services, which help Muslims manage their wealth in line with Sharia principles.