Through Force or Faith? — Page 270
?— A Reply to Pope Benedict XVI 270 prior to Islam no religious scripture had these instructions in such detail. The third distinction is that Islam removed the deficiencies that existed in the teachings that are shared by Islam and older religions. For example, Judaism had taught the law of retribution – tooth for tooth, eye for eye (Exodus 21:23–25); and Jesus taught not to resist evil: whosoever smites your right cheek, turn to him the other also (Matthew 5:39). Both these teachings are immoderate. Neither it is appropriate to be always harsh and vengeful, nor it is good to show leniency and forgiveness at all times. Practically, the Christian nations have discarded the teachings of Jesus, acknowl- edging the fact that sometimes kindness and forgiveness may pro- mote crimes instead of reformation. Islam teaches that punish- ment for crimes is necessary: َو ْمُكَل يِف ِصاَصِقْلا ٌةوٰيَح يِلوُاّٰۤي ِباَبْلَاْلا And there is life for you in the law of retaliation, O men of understanding, that you may enjoy security ( S u rah al-Baqarah, 2:180). Otherwise the criminals and savages shall become bold and increase in their transgressions and crimes. Nevertheless, along with this instruction, Islam teaches that punishment at all times may not be the best method for reformation. If someone is really repentant, and kindness and forgiveness would reform him, then adopt that method. God will reward you for that