The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 113
III - Concept of the Acceptance of Prayer in Islām 113 presents a moderate teaching which is the basis of true peace in the world which is: ِ اهلل وَاَصْلَحَ فَاَجْرُهُ عَلَى فَمَنْ عَفَا سَيِّئَةٍ سَيِّئَةٌ مِّثْلُهَا ُ ء وَجَزَا “The punishment of an injury should be the like thereof and should be of equal intensity. However, if the circumstances are such as a probability of reformation exists by forgiveness or lenience, then forgiveness and lenience is the better course of action. Such an individual shall be deserving of a handsome reward from Allāh. ” 1 This is the teaching which Islām has presented in this regard and no reasonable individual can deny that this is an unrivaled teaching, which has taken into consideration all aspects of human need. Furthermore, even in the case of punishment, it has set the restriction that appropriate bounds should not be exceeded and it has outrightly condemned the barbaric acts of mutilation, etc. In comparison to this, despite the ‘exemplary teaching’ of Jesus Christ as , the actual behaviour which Christians have shown towards their enemies and the atrocities which they have committed during wars, are an open page in history, the repetition of which is not required here. 1 Ash-Shūrā (42:41)