An-Nahl 16:126

<h2>The Command for Equality in Punishment</h2><p>Allah commands justice in punishment and equity in settling the cases of rights. `Abdur-Razzaq recorded that, concerning the Ayah,</p><p>فَعَاقِبُواْ بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبْتُمْ بِهِ</p><p>(then punish them with the like of that with which you were afflicted.) Ibn Sirin said, "If a man among you takes something from you, then you should take something similar from him." This was also the opinion of Mujahid, Ibrahim, Al-Hasan Al-Basri, and others. Ibn Jarir also favored this opinion. Ibn Zayd said: "They had been commanded to forgive the idolators, then some men became Muslim who were strong and powerful. They said, `O Messenger of Allah, if only Allah would give us permission, we would sort out these dogs!' Then this Ayah was revealed, then it was latter abrogated by the command to engage in Jihad."</p><p>وَاصْبِرْ وَمَا صَبْرُكَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ</p><p>(And be patient, and your patience will not be but by the help of Allah.) This emphasizes the command to be patient and tells us that patience cannot be acquired except by the will, help, decree and power of Allah. Then Allah says:</p><p>وَلاَ تَحْزَنْ عَلَيْهِمْ</p><p>(And do not grieve over them,) meaning, those who oppose you, for Allah has decreed that this should …

If ye punish, then punish with the like of that wherewith ye were afflicted. But if ye endure patiently, verily it is better for the patient.

And if ye do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: But if ye show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient.

And if you punish (your enemy, O you believers in the Oneness of Allah), then punish them with the like of that with which you were afflicted. But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).

If you were to retaliate, retaliate to the same degree as the injury done to you. But if you resort to patience—it is better for the patient.