Better than Revenge
English book, p. 245
By Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
Better than Reveng means that you have put a full stop, while revenge in this case means that you have put commas. Forgiveness in such cases is a rewardable action. Forgiveness is a highly valuable deed. You will find its reward in the world hereafter, and that is far better for a believer. Moreover, forgiveness gives you its benefits in the present world also. When you forgive a person you hit his conscience. Forgiveness is a kind of corrective measure. Forgiveness creates a sense of repentance in the other person and he tries to correct himself. In this sense, forgiveness has a value in terms of social reform. Practically there is only one option and that is forgiveness. While revenge may open a new chapter that is revenge after revenge, but forgiveness puts an end to this chain. If a person tries to retaliate, he cannot save himself from counter-retaliation by the other party. Thus, revenge or retaliation is a prerogative of an authorized court. So, in these cases one has two options: either forgive and forget, or refer it to an authorized court. Retaliation in terms of punishment is a prerogative of an authorized court rather than of a common man. Although Islam allows retaliation with certain strict conditions, but fulfilling these conditions is so difficult that it practically means that one should not retaliate. The message of the Quran in such situations is: Opt for forgiveness. Do not try to retaliate, because retaliation is bound to create some more problems. Revenge or retaliation is a kind of distraction. While forgiveness ends the problem, retaliation only increases and creates new problems which are difficult to be solved. So, forgiveness is better than retaliation.

‹ Previous page Next page › About this book Open in the reader