he did not pardon him, it would follow that anyone who exacts redress from an oppressor becomes, by that very act, an oppressor deserving censure and punishment. That, in turn, would be a second injustice against the aggrieved party who sought justice: the oppressor wronged him first, and when he vindicated himself he was wronged a second time—an injustice committed against one who had merely reclaimed his right from his oppressor.

How excellent are the words of Allah when He says:

“Whatever you have been given is but a fleeting enjoyment of this worldly life, whereas what is with Allah is better and more lasting for those who believe and put their trust in their Lord; those who avoid major sins and shameful deeds, and who, whenever they are angered, forgive; those who respond to their Lord, establish the prayer, conduct their affairs by mutual consultation, and spend out of what We have provided them; and those who, when tyranny strikes them, defend themselves.

The recompense of an evil deed is an evil like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation—his reward rests with Allah. Indeed, Allah does not love the wrongdoers. Yet whoever defends himself after being wronged, such people incur no blame. Blame rests only upon those who wrong others and behave outrageously on earth without right; for such there is a painful punishment. But whoever is patient and forgives—indeed, that is among the matters requiring firm resolve.” (Qur’an 42:36-43)

And He says:

“This is so; and whoever retaliates with the like of what he has suffered and then is again oppressed, Allah will surely help him. Indeed, Allah is Pardoning, Forgiving.” (Qur’an 22:60)

These words are among the finest, most equitable, and most excellent, for He legislated justice, saying: