Revenge cannot be tolerated, for it is a kind of wild justice.

It is unbecoming for a civilized

person to take revenge over those who have harmed him. One who takes revenge puts the law
out of office, for it is the function of law to punish the wrong-doers. One should rather
forgive one's enemies. In this way, he would be much superior to those who have harmed
him, for, "It is the glory of a man to pass by (forgive) an offense".
It is not wise to think of taking revenge. What is done cannot be undone; revenge will not be
able to right the wrong that has already been done. Wise men think only of the present (or the
future) and not of the past. Moreover, it should also be remembered that a man harms others
either to get some advantage for himself, or because he is so ill-natured that he derives
pleasure in harming others. In the former case we should not feel angry with the wrong-doer,
for he does harm only because he loves himself better than others. In the later case, the
wrong-doer should be ignored just as we ignore the thorns that prick us.

Revenge is tolerable only for those wrongs for which there is no legal remedy. But even in
such cases the revenge should be such that it does not violate the law, otherwise the revenger
will have to face two enemies-the one who wronged him and the law.

The first and possibly the most important reason to forgive rather than retaliate is that
the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad encourage us to do so.
Forgiveness means to relinquish the right of retaliation that you have over somebody
for something wrong done to you. God offers innumerable rewards for those who do
forgive.
"… (those) who repress anger and who pardon men; verily, God loves the doers of
good." (Quran 3:134)

Islam allows retaliation as a tool to achieve justice, to calm anger, to relieve emotional
suffering, to prevent oppression of the criminal and to put an end to excessive force.
At the same time, it encourages the wronged person to forgive and pardon the one
who did wrong. However, having said that, when trying to decide between
permissible retaliation and forgiveness, it is worth remembering that God Himself is
the Most Just.
Another good reason to think about forgiveness before retaliation or anger is that there
is a direct connection between the way we treat others and the way God treats us.
Perhaps the most amazing example of forgiveness rather than retaliation happened
when Prophet Muhammad conquered the city of Mecca. He and his followers left the
city after being abused, and tortured, driven from their homes, starved and humiliated,
and murdered and maimed. When he rode into Mecca humbly, on a donkey, Prophet
Muhammad had the power to exact any revenge he wanted. He could have retaliated
in any way that he saw fit, yet he chose forgiveness. He said to the people of Mecca
the same words that Prophet Yusuf said to his brothers.

"No blame will there be upon you today. May God forgive you; and He is the Most
Merciful of those who show mercy." (Quran 12:92)
Islam repeats the Torah or Old Testament’s eye for an eye principle and uses both
capital and corporal punishment for many crimes.
Qisas is specifically for murder or serious assault. Whenever a person causes physical
harm or death to another, the injured or a representative of the deceased has the right
to retaliation. In crimes covered under the laws of Qisas the victim or his
representative have three options, to insist upon the punishment, accept monetary
recompense, or forgive the offender. Forgiveness is even able to avert the death
penalty.[1] Quran urges forgiveness and mercy even in the direst of circumstances.

…but whosoever forgives and makes amends, his reward is upon God." (Quran 42:
40)
Prophet Muhammad consistently chose forgiveness over retaliation. His behaviour is
the best example of forgiveness and compassion.

Forgiveness vs. Retribution: Islam and Bacon's View

The Islamic concept of Qisas, allowing retribution for crimes, seems to contradict the religion's
emphasis on forgiveness. This essay will explore how these seemingly opposing ideas coexist and
compare them to Francis Bacon's perspective on revenge.
Islamic Principles: Forgiveness and Retribution
Islam encourages both forgiveness and retribution. The Quran promotes forgiveness, highlighting
God's love for those who pardon others. The Prophet Muhammad himself exemplified forgiveness
when he conquered Mecca, choosing mercy despite past persecution.
However, Islam also allows Qisas, where victims or their families have the right to retaliate for certain
crimes like murder or assault. This system aims to achieve justice, deter crime, and provide closure
for victims.
The Importance of Forgiveness
Despite allowing Qisas, Islam prioritizes forgiveness. Here's why:
 Divine Reward: The Quran promises rewards for those who forgive.
 Breaking the Cycle: Forgiveness prevents endless retaliation and promotes peace.
 Following the Prophet's Example: Prophet Muhammad's act of forgiveness in Mecca serves
as a powerful model.
Qisas: A Measured Approach
While Qisas allows retribution, it's not blind vengeance. The victim's family has three options:
 Retribution: Enact punishment equal to the crime (e.g., death for murder).
 Diyya (Compensation): Accept financial compensation from the offender.
 Forgiveness: Choose to forgive the offender, even in capital punishment cases.
This flexibility allows for justice while promoting forgiveness.
Bacon's Perspective on Revenge
Francis Bacon, a philosopher, saw revenge as a form of "wild justice." He believed revenge disrupts
the law and true justice should be left to the legal system. Like Islam, Bacon emphasizes the
importance of moving on from the past.
Similarities and Differences
Both Islam and Bacon discourage personal revenge. They believe a structured system, legal or
religious, should handle punishment. However, Islam offers the additional option of forgiveness,
absent in Bacon's view.
Conclusion
Islam presents a nuanced approach. It allows retribution (Qisas) for justice but prioritizes forgiveness,
promoting social harmony and reflecting God's mercy. While Bacon focuses on a legal system, Islam
offers a spiritual dimension – the choice to forgive for personal and divine reward.
Solomon, known for his wisdom, said that it's honorable to overlook an offense. What's done is done,
and can't be undone. It is the glory of a man to pass by an offence. Wise people focus on the present
and the future, rather than dwelling on the past

________________________________________________________________
Imagine a justice system that balances the need for punishment with the power
of forgiveness. In Islam, this balance is achieved through the concept of Qisas,
which allows for retribution for crimes, alongside a strong emphasis on
forgiveness as a virtue. This creates a system where victims have a say in the
aftermath of a wrongdoing, but forgiveness is also highly encouraged. This
raises an interesting question: How does this Islamic approach compare to the
ideas of philosophers like Francis Bacon, who have contemplated the concept of
revenge? This essay will explore the coexistence of Qisas and forgiveness in
Islam, and then analyze how Bacon's perspective on revenge aligns or diverges
from these Islamic principles.
The concept of Qisas in Islam grants victims the right to a proportionate
response to a crime committed against them. This could involve replicating the
injury or damage inflicted, within a legal framework. However, Islam goes
beyond simple retribution. Forgiveness is a highly valued act, seen as a path to
inner peace and divine reward. The Quran emphasizes forgiveness in numerous
verses, urging believers to show mercy and seek reconciliation. This emphasis
is further strengthened by the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) teachings, who
encouraged forgiveness even in dire circumstances.
The coexistence of Qisas and forgiveness creates a unique system where the
victim holds significant power. They can choose to enact Qisas, seeking
retribution for the wrong they suffered. However, they are also encouraged to
consider forgiveness, a path that could lead to healing and closure. This choice
allows victims to navigate the aftermath of a crime in a way that aligns with
their emotional state and religious beliefs.
Francis Bacon, a renowned philosopher, grappled with the concept of revenge
in his writings. While acknowledging the natural human urge for revenge,
Bacon argued for the importance of reason and justice. He believed revenge
should be pursued through legal channels, not through personal vengeance. This
aligns with the Islamic concept of Qisas, where retribution is carried out within
a legal framework. However, Bacon's perspective doesn't explicitly encourage
forgiveness, which is a cornerstone of the Islamic approach.
n conclusion, the Islamic justice system offers a nuanced approach to crime and
punishment. Qisas allows for retribution, ensuring a sense of justice for victims.
However, the emphasis on forgiveness creates a pathway towards healing and
reconciliation. This focus on both accountability and mercy stands in contrast to
thinkers like Bacon, whose ideas resonate more with the legal aspect of Qisas.
By examining these contrasting viewpoints, we gain a deeper appreciation for
the multifaceted nature of Islamic principles and their approach to achieving
justice.