The Fifth Aspect

Fifth: He should realize that no one has ever taken revenge for himself without that act sowing within him a sense of humiliation 5; whereas when he pardons, Allah grants him honor. This is exactly what the truthful and trustworthy Messenger declared: “Allah only increases a servant who pardons others in honor.” 6 Accordingly, the honor gained through forgiveness is dearer to him and more beneficial than the honor that comes from retaliation, for the latter is outward honor that secretly breeds humiliation, while forgiveness may seem an inward abasement yet it produces honor both inwardly and outwardly.