Ash-Shura (Consultation)

42. The way [of blame] is only against those who oppress men and rebel in the earth without justification; for such [wrong-doers] there will be an excruciating torment.

43. And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives [the wrong-doer] that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah.

It is mentioned in the Holy Qur’an¹ that

“No ground of complaint can there be against good-doers.”

It was also reflected in the preceding Verse that the oppressed are not subject to reproach. The blessed Verse 42 is saying that wrong-doers are to be reproached. Islam is a comprehensive religion that recognizes the rights of the oppressed and also leaves room for forgiving. Verses 41 and 42 express the states of the wrong-doers and the wronged.

According to the Qur’anic Verse:

“Thus the one who wrongs you, you may take your revenge upon them”

when believers take revenge upon wrong-doers proportionate to the wrong done to them, they shall not be chastised by believers since they have attained their right. Nonetheless, those who wrong people and make mischief on the earth without justification are supposed to be chastised by believers and an excruciating torment is in store for wrong-doers.

Verse 43 is saying that one who is patient and forgives believers possesses determination and excellences.

The blessed Verse may allude to the fact that those who have been wronged by others and failed to attain to their rights have been patient. Such people possess determination since it requires a strong and confident soul to confront hardships and persevere in making efforts to achieve one’s goals.

Such were Arch-Prophets (as) so strong and perseverant that they could bear the wrongs done to them by people, but they never make attempts at taking their revenge upon their enemies unless they were divinely appointed to wage war against disbelievers in order to support religion.