Understanding Forgiveness and Justice in Islam: Responding to Mistreatment

Is It Right to Say Allah is Taking Revenge in This World? A Shariah Perspective

Question: If someone mistreats us and we say, “Do whatever you want, nowadays Allah is taking revenge in this world itself,” is this statement correct from a Shariah perspective?

Answer: It is not correct to say, “Do whatever you want, nowadays Allah is taking revenge in this world,” because Allah’s system has always been the same, and it has not changed. Therefore, we should not say such things, even if someone wrongs us. Yes, it is true that we are allowed to take revenge equivalent to the wrong done to us, as Islam gives us this right. However, those who forgive and do not seek revenge are held in high regard. 

The Prophet ﷺ set a great example for us by forgiving those who wronged him. If you read the story of Habil and Qabil, there is a profound lesson. When Qabil threatened to kill Habil, Habil responded:

“If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me, I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you, for I fear Allah; the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists).” (Al-Ma'idah: 28)

Therefore, if someone mistreats or threatens us, we should exercise patience. We should pray for their guidance and, if we must say something, we can say, “Do as much wrong as you want, but we will not seek revenge. Allah is watching, and He will do justice between us.”

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail