Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, `Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, `Get up and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins….” He said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today. (Luke 5:18-26)
We can all forgive our brother who has wronged against us. We cannot forgive a brother who has sinned against others and against God. Yet Jesus met a man, whom he has never met, and forgave his sins. Everyone protested knowing that only God could do this.
In Muslim belief, no one has the right to forgive except Allah alone. Even though Muhammad was commanded to pray for forgiveness for someone else (Al-Imran 3:159; an-Nur 24:62; al-Mumtahanah 60:12), yet, this is no guarantee that Allah will forgive (at-Taubah 9:80; al-Munafiqun 63:6).