Civilisation at the Cross Roads — Page 14
penalty proportionate tl1ereto; but who. so forgives and thereby brings about reformation, his reward is with God. Surely He loves not wrong-doers. But no blame attaches to those who defend themselves when they have been transgressed against. Blame attaches only to those who commit wrongs against others. and transgress in the earth without justification. Such will have grievous punishment. But he who is patient and forgives-that surely is a matter of high resolve". (XLII: 37-44) It wi11 be noted that even defensive action is permitted only where a wrong has been suffered, though forgiven£ss is held up as the more meritorious choice. On the other hand. infliction of wrong ·11nd transgression is condemned. Should, however, aggression be embarked upon, which can only be stopped by the exercise of force, permission to use for<'E' is accorded. "Permission to fight. is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged and God indeed has power to help them: those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, 'our Lord is God'. If God did not repel some men by means of others, cloisters, churches, synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of God is oft commemorated, would surely be destroyed. God will of a surety help those who help Him. God is indeed the PC!werful, l\iighty-those who, if w~ estab1ish them in the earth, will observe Prayer and give the alms and enjoin good and foruid e\'il. With God rests the final issue of all affairs. . . . . Whoso re- taliates with the Jike of that with which he hns been afflicted and is thtn transgressed against, uod will surely help him. God effaces sins and forgivei; them". (XXII : 40-42 and 61) Once fighting is forced upon such a society as is here described, the fight must be pursued with fortitude and vigour. Ddailed instructions have been laid down to render war as 14