(126–128) “If you retaliate, then retaliate only to the extent of the harm inflicted upon you. But if you are patient, that is certainly better for those who are patient. Be patient, and your patience comes only through Allah. Do not grieve over them, nor be distressed by their schemes. Surely Allah is with those who fear Him and those who excel in good.”

Allah Most High says—permitting just requital while encouraging virtue and kindness—“If you retaliate” against those who have wronged you in word or deed, “then retaliate only to the extent of the harm inflicted upon you,” without exceeding what they did to you.

“But if you are patient” and refrain from retaliation, pardoning their offense, “that is certainly better for those who are patient” than exacting full redress. What is with Allah is better for you and best in outcome, as Allah Most High says: “Whoever pardons and makes reconciliation—his reward is with Allah.”

He then commanded His Messenger to remain patient in calling people to Allah, to seek Allah’s aid in doing so, and not to rely upon himself. He said: “Be patient, and your patience comes only through Allah.” It is He who helps you to remain patient and makes you steadfast. “Do not grieve over them” if you call them but see no acceptance of your call, for grief will avail you nothing. “Nor be distressed”—that is, anguished and constrained—“by their schemes,” for their scheming will only rebound upon them, while you are among those who fear Allah and excel in good.

Allah is with those who fear Him and excel in good, granting them His aid, enabling grace, and guidance. They are those who guard themselves against disbelief and sins, and who excel in worshipping Allah by worshipping Him as though they see Him; for although they do not see Him, He sees them. They also show kindness to creation by benefiting them in every way.

We ask Allah to make us among those who fear Him and excel in good.

The exegesis of Surah al-Nahl is complete. All praise is due to Allah.