Ash-Shuraa 42:40
The Consultation · Meccan · Juz 25 · Page 487
Forgiveness Is Better
وَجَزَـٰٓؤُاْ سَيِّئَةࣲ سَيِّئَةࣱ مِّثۡلُهَاۖ فَمَنۡ عَفَا وَأَصۡلَحَ فَأَجۡرُهُۥ عَلَى ٱللَّهِۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ٤٠
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.
Translation: Marmaduke Pickthall
Meaning
The recompense for an evil is an evil like it; but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah.
Insight
According to Elmalılı, this principle is a great foundation for penal rulings in fiqh and should underlie all penal law; but pardon is higher.
Reflect
Forgive something that is your right today.
This short note is based on Elmalılı Hamdi Yazır’s Turkish commentary and has not yet been reviewed by a scholar.
Elmalılı’s commentary
An English translation of Elmalılı’s full commentary is coming soon. Read the original Turkish ›