9. What is Islam’s view on revenge?

Islam teaches forgiveness over revenge. According to Quranic teachings, revenge is not a solution. Revenge only increases the problem. A chapter in the Quran entitled Al-Nahl (Bees) gives practical advice on this point. It says:

If you want to retaliate, retaliate to the same degree as the injury done to you. But if you are patient, it is better to be so. (Quran 16:126)

In other words, if one has been wronged and responds with patience and forgiveness, this behaviour holds more value in the eyes of God and may even serve as atonement for one’s sins. Revenge is the action of inflicting hurt or harm on someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands. According to Quranic teachings, there are two levels of revenge — one may be called exacting proportional revenge and the second may be described as you forget the bad experience you have received from the other.

Although revenge or retaliation is allowed as a concession to the aggrieved, there is a strict condition with this allowance — it must be equal revenge, not exceeding the others’ bad action. If we reflect on this prerequisite of exacting revenge, we will realize that revenge is not an option at all. It is so difficult that no sincere person will take this option. There is no available measurement that may tell you that your retaliation was completely equal to the action you have received from the other.

So, this option is only a hypothetical option. Any sincere person will decide not to take this option, because if during retaliation he exceeds the limit he will become an offender. The Prophet and his Companions never avenged anything. It is narrated on the authority of Hazrat Ayesha:

The Prophet never avenged for his own self. (Sahih al-Bukhari, hadith no. 6853)

Practically, there is only one option, which is forgiveness. While revenge may open a new chapter that is revenge after revenge, but forgiveness ends this chain. Forgiveness 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.

The Quran enjoins a believer to return every bad action with a good one. It says:

Good and evil deeds are not equal. Repel evil with what is better; then you will see that one who was once your enemy has become your dearest friend. (Quran 41:34)

This is the true spirit of Islam.