whereas if he is not, then Allah—majestic and exalted—has said: “The adulteress and the adulterer: flog each of them with a hundred lashes, and let no pity for them deter you from upholding Allah’s religion, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day; and let a group of the believers witness their punishment.” (Al-Nūr 24:2)

The author then cited several verses. Regarding the first he quoted Allah’s words: “those who suppress their anger and pardon people, for Allah loves the doers of good.” (Āl ʿImrān 3:134). These are among the traits of the God-fearing for whom Paradise has been prepared: when anger overtakes them, they swallow it.

In the phrase “those who suppress their anger” there is an indication that such restraint is difficult, yet they master themselves and stifle their rage. For this reason the Prophet ﷺ said, “The strong man is not the one who defeats others in wrestling; the strong man is the one who controls himself when angry.” The word ṣurʿah refers to a man who throws others down when they wrestle.

As for Allah’s words “and [those who] pardon people,” they have already been discussed in detail, clarifying who is entitled to pardon and who is not. A malicious person who, when pardoned, only grows worse, more vicious, and more defiant is not to be pardoned.

Conversely, one who is deserving of pardon should indeed be pardoned, for Allah says, “Whoever pardons and brings about reconciliation—his reward rests with Allah.” (Ash-Shūrā 42:40).

The second verse is His statement: “Accept what is easy, enjoin what is right, and turn away from…”