Proportional Justice and the Virtue of Patience

📖Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3129
Ubayy ibn Ka’b reported: On the day of the battle of Uhud, sixty-four of the Ansar and six of the Muhajirun had fallen, one of whom was Hamza, and the enemy mutilated their bodies. The Ansar said, “If we kill any of them in the future, we will do the same to them by twice as much.” On the day of Mecca’s liberation, Allah Almighty revealed the verse, “If you are afflicted, then afflict with the same as you were afflicted. If you are patient, it surely better for the patient,” (16:126). A man said, “The Quraysh will be wiped out today.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Do not harm anyone from the tribe, except four criminals.

This Hadith teaches the balance between justice and mercy. Even after severe suffering and provocation, the Prophet ﷺ instructed moderation, patience, and avoiding revenge beyond what is just. The verse (16:126) was revealed to guide Muslims: retaliation is allowed, but exceeding limits is forbidden. Patience is praised as a higher virtue.

• It shows that lawful retaliation should match the harm suffered, but excess or indiscriminate revenge is prohibited.
• The Prophet ﷺ emphasized mercy, even toward former enemies, except for those guilty of clear crimes.
• This teaches moral restraint, self-control, and the importance of upholding ethical standards even in war.

The Quran was revealed in response to questions and situations, but it was not “created” at that time; it has always existed with Allah in the Lawh al-Mahfuz (Preserved Tablet), illustrating the eternal nature of His knowledge.

Lessons for Today:

• Do not let anger or desire for revenge dictate actions.
• Justice must be proportional, not excessive.
• Patience and forgiveness elevate a believer’s rank in the sight of Allah.
• Even in conflict, ethical boundaries must be maintained.

Quranic Context:

📖Quran 16:126
“If you are afflicted, then afflict with the same as you were afflicted. But if you are patient, it is better for the patient.”

• Teaches proportional response and praises patience.

📖Quran 2:190
“Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.”

• Confirms that retaliation should not exceed limits.

📖Quran 41:34
“And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.”

• Highlights the superiority of patience, forgiveness, and moral conduct.