Müsamaha

Müsamaha is a Turkish noun that denotes leniency, indulgence, tolerance, or a pardon granted in recognition of a fault. It commonly refers to a willingness to overlook a fault or to refrain from strict enforcement of rules or penalties in order to preserve harmony. In everyday usage, müsamaha can mean forgiving a minor misstep or showing forbearance toward someone’s error. In formal contexts, such as legal or administrative settings, it can describe a decision to grant leniency or apply a more flexible interpretation of rules.

The term is a loanword in Turkish, originating in Arabic and entering through Ottoman Turkish and Persian influence. In Turkish, the concept aligns with notions of mercy and tolerance, but it is specifically oriented toward acts of leniency or indulgence by an individual or authority.

Usage notes: The expression müsamaha göstermek means to show leniency or indulgence. Phrases such as müsamaha beklemek or müsamahayla karşılanmak describe the expectation or reception of such leniency. In social and religious discourse, müsamaha is often associated with reconciliation and contentment in interpersonal relations, emphasizing harmony over strict fault-finding.

Relation to related terms: Af refers to forgiveness or absolution, while hoşgörü and tolerans describe broader attitudes of acceptance. Müsamaha tends to denote an active leniency or indulgence granted by someone, rather than a final act of forgiveness, and it can function in both personal and institutional contexts.

See also: af, hoşgörü, merhamet, tolerans.