Surah An Nahl Tafseer

The Command for Equality in Punishment

Allah says:

وَإِنْ عَاقَبْتُمْ فَعَاقِبُواْ بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبْتُم بِهِ وَلَيِن صَبَرْتُمْ لَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لِّلصَّابِرينَ

And if you punish them, then punish them with the like of that with which you were afflicted. But if you have patience with them, then it is better for those who are patient.

Allah commands justice in punishment and equity in settling the cases of rights.

Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Ibn Sirin said concerning the Ayah,

عَاقَبْتُمْ فَعَاقِبُواْ بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبْتُم بِهِ

(then punish them with the like of that with which you were afflicted),

"If a man among you takes something from you, then you should take something similar from him."

This was also the opinion of Mujahid, Ibrahim, Al-Hasan Al-Basri, and others.

Ibn Jarir also favored this opinion.

Ibn Zayd said:

"They had been commanded to forgive the idolators, then some men became Muslim who were strong and powerful. They said, `O Messenger of Allah, if only Allah would give us permission, we would sort out these dogs!'

Then this Ayah was revealed, then it was latter abrogated by the command to engage in Jihad.