The Holy Quran 42:40 — Surah Ash-Shuraa

Arabic text

وَجَزَٰٓؤُا۟ سَيِّئَةٍ سَيِّئَةٌ مِّثْلُهَا ۖ فَمَنْ عَفَا وَأَصْلَحَ فَأَجْرُهُۥ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ

Translation

The retribution (return) for an evil (done against one) is a proportionate (a similar) response (against the aggressor and not any more). As for the one who (instead of retaliating) forgives (the aggressor) and makes amends (restores good relationships between them), his reward will be (reserved and guaranteed) with Allaah. Verily, Allaah does not like the oppressors (whose retaliation is greater than the aggression against them).

Tafsir (excerpt) — Tafsir Usmani

The evil done by way of retaliation is not evil in reality but only in outward form. The word “سَيِّئَةٌ” (“evil”) has been applied to it by way of mushakalah (using a word to match the word next to it). Permission to retaliate with justice: that is, wrongdoing and excess are not liked by Allah in any circumstances.

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