Some Distinctive Features of Islam — Page 18
18 And when your Lord your God gi ves them over to you, and you defeat them: then you must utterly destroy them: you shall make no covenant with them. 35 I shall now, by way of comparison, cite a few examples of Islamic teachings in the same areas. The Holy Quran enjoins, and I quote: ! And when you judge between people, do so fairly and justly. 36 ! Be strict in observing justice, and be witness for Allah, even though it be against yourselves or against your parents or kindred. 37 ! And let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, th at is nearer to righteousness. 38 ! And fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you but do not transgress. Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors. 39 ! And if they incline towards pe ace, incline thou also towards it. 40 The other example I wish to cite of the eternal teachings of Islam is the one concerning revenge and forgiveness. When we compare Islam’s teachings in this sphere with that of other faiths, we are at once struck by this injunction of the Old Testament: Your eye shall not pity: it shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. 41 Doubtless, such emphasis on vengeance causes not mere wonder, but also saddens our heart. However, I am not citing this example to