“Now vengeance, according to reason, is also blame
worthy, because through vengeance no good result is gained by the avenger.
So if a man strikes another, and he who is struck takes revenge by returning the blow, what advantage will he gain? Will this be a balm for his wound or a remedy for his pain?
…In truth the two actions are the same: both are injuries; the only difference is that one occurred first, and the other afterward.
Therefore, if he who is struck forgives, nay, if he acts in a manner contrary to that which has been used toward him, this is laudable.
The law of the community will punish the aggressor but will not take revenge. This punishment has for its end to warn, to protect and to oppose cruelty and transgression so that other men may not be tyrannical.
But if he who has been struck pardons and forgives, he shows the greatest mercy.
This is worthy of admiration.” ~ ‘Abdu’l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 266