A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
Regarding the balance between pardon and retribution.
Allah the Almighty says:
"The recompense for an evil deed is an evil equivalent thereto."
It should be understood that one who defends himself without exceeding the bounds or committing aggression,
is permitted to do so.
There is no blame, reproach, or punishment upon him for that.
As Allah the Almighty says:
“And whoso defendeth himself after he hath suffered wrong - for such, there is no way (of blame) against them.” (42:41)
However, it is recommended to pardon and forgive.
That is better for him.
His reckoning and reward are with Allah.
As the remainder of the first verse explicitly states.
“The guerdon of an ill-deed is an ill the like thereof. But whosoever pardoneth and amendeth, his wage is the affair of Allah. Lo! He loveth not wrong-doers.” (42:40)
“The guerdon of an ill-deed is an ill the like thereof. But whosoever pardoneth and amendeth, his wage is the affair of Allah. Lo! He loveth not wrong-doers.” (42:40)
How magnificent and delightful it is for the reward to come from Allah, the Most Generous, the Most Bountiful.
Prohibition and accountability apply only to those oppressors who commit injustice on earth without right.
For life cannot remain upright if there is an oppressor whom no one stops from his tyranny and transgression.
Allah the Almighty says:
“The way (of blame) is only against those who oppress mankind, and wrongfully rebel in the earth. For such there is a painful doom.” (42:42)
"For them is a painful punishment."
In summary, the preceding verses establish moderation and balance between the approaches of pardon and retribution.
We have three states regarding pardon:
Virtue, which is pardoning when one has the power to retaliate.
Justice, which is responding to aggression with its equivalent.
Injustice, which is responding to aggression with something more severe.
The verses seek to protect the soul from hatred and rage,
as well as from weakness and humiliation,
and from injustice and transgression.
They aim to attach the soul to the pursuit of Allah’s pleasure in every circumstance.