Forgive Or Not To Forgive

Bismillah

The religion of Islam is a perfect religion. It takes into account the nature of humankind; after all, the One who created us knows us best.  We were not created perfect, we make mistakes, we forget, we sin, we fall prey to our emotions and hormones, and our sense of justice may not be as finely tuned as we might desire or think.

There are times to forgive and then there are times not to forgive, and we need to know when to do what.

Anybody who always ask for vengeance is going to execute himself, and anybody who teaches to always have to turn the other cheek will not be able to live up to it himself. The origin is to forgive but there are times forgiveness is not good and treachery is one such time.

"…punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient." (Quran 16:126)

"And We ordained for them therein a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution.  But if anyone remits the retaliation by way of charity, it shall be for him an expiation. And whosoever does not judge by that which God has revealed, such are the wrongdoers." (Quran 5:45)

"…but whosoever forgives and makes amends, his reward is upon God." (Quran 42: 40)

"Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant." (Quran 7:199)

"Let them forgive and overlook: do you not wish that God should forgive you? For God is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran 24:22)

"But if someone is steadfast and forgives, that is the most resolute course to follow." (Quran 42:43)