Do This When Someone Wrongs You

The story of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ describes a powerful moment of justice, mercy, and spiritual wisdom. A man who had killed another in a burst of anger was brought before the Prophet ﷺ, confessing his guilt with deep regret and no means to offer compensation.

While the victim's brother demanded execution, the Prophet ﷺ gently urged him toward forgiveness, reminding him that carrying out the killing in such a state could corrupt his heart and make him resemble the very act he sought justice for. These words eventually softened the man, and he released the murderer, letting go of both his anger and the rope that symbolised his burden.

This incident shows that justice in Islam is not limited to laws; it is also about transforming hearts. The Prophet ﷺ taught that revenge can turn a wronged person into a wrongdoer, a lesson seen again after the Battle of Badr when the Quraysh, lacking belief in the afterlife, mutilated bodies out of rage.

In contrast, Muslims anchored their grief in faith, believing that Allah sees every injustice. Even today in places like Gaza, despite unimaginable suffering, many people hold firmly to patience and trust in Allah rather than being consumed by revenge - showing a moral strength that prevents them from becoming like their oppressors.

The lesson extends into our own lives: anger in marriages, friendships, families, or divorce can push people from being victims to becoming oppressors themselves through cruelty or spite. Islam calls for excellence even in separation, urging believers to avoid letting pain turn into injustice.

The Prophet ﷺ warned against simply reacting to others' behaviour and instead encouraged principled self-discipline: to stay just, patient, and anchored in Allah rather than revenge. True strength lies in forgiveness, restraint, and refusing to become what you hate.