So Said The Promised Messiah (as) — Page 129
I should like to make mention of just one aspect. The Torah (Whether in view of the prevailing circumstances or because "of some sort of necessity) lays stress on retaliation: -eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. As against this, the teaching of the Gospels lays stress on pardoning the offender and show- ing patience so much so that it says· that if one is slapped on one cheek, he should show the other cheek also for being slapped, or going with somebody for two miles if he asks for one mile, or giving away the coat when somebody asks for the shirt. . We find that the teachings of Torah and the Gospels go to the opposite extremes. But so far as the Holy Quran is concerned, its teachings are based on wisdom, moderation and the prevailing circumstances. You may look at any teach- ing of the Holy Quran, you will find that it stresses the point that we must find out the circumstances and then decide as to what would really suit the occasion. We do agree that the required outcome of all the teachings is the same but nobody can doubt that the Torah and the Gospels have laid stress only on one aspect - this way or that way-whereas the Holy Quran has stressed the point that the demands of the occasion should be kept in view. (Malfoozat Vol. III, p. 38) PERFECT TEACHINGS In short, look at the teachings of Islam from any angle you like and you will find that there is a great wisdom in it. It does not go to the extremes, rather, it is well set on the point of moderation and that is why this Ummah is called Ummatan Wasatan. As to why the teachings of the Old or the New Testament are not based on moderation does not point to any objection that can be raised about God nor can we say that the teachings of these Books are devoid of wisdom, 129