Forgiveness is Better than Taking Qiṣāṣ
Author: Imran Ayub Lahori
❖ Prophetic Guidance
Anas ibn Mālik رضي الله عنه narrates:
"I always observed that whenever a case of qiṣāṣ (retaliation) was brought before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, he would order forgiveness instead."
«إلا أمر فيه بالعفو»
"Except that he commanded forgiveness in it."
[Ṣaḥīḥ: Abū Dāwūd 3884, Kitāb al-Diyāt: Bāb al-Imām yaʾmur bi’l-ʿafw fī al-dam; Abū Dāwūd 4497; Aḥmad 3/213; al-Nasāʾī 8/37; Ibn Mājah 2692]
❖ Lesson
- Qiṣāṣ is a legitimate right in Islamic law, but forgiveness is superior.
- The Prophet ﷺ consistently encouraged pardon over retaliation, highlighting the virtue of mercy and reconciliation.
❖ Conclusion
- Qiṣāṣ is lawful justice, but:
- Forgiveness brings greater reward and harmony.
- This aligns with the Prophet’s ﷺ practice of urging heirs to forgive rather than retaliate.
