عدوان
ʿUdwān
Topic
The Quran forbids transgression, allows only proportionate defence, and urges forgiveness and the better response.
What it means
“Fight in the way of God those who fight you, but do not transgress; God does not love the transgressors” (2:190). “If they incline to peace, incline to it, and trust in God” (8:61). “If you punish, punish only as you were harmed; but if you are patient, that is better for the patient” (16:126). “Repel evil with what is better, and the one between whom and you was enmity will become as a close friend” (41:34).
Often misunderstood as
That Muhammad ordered mutilation and revenge.
What the sources say
Commentators say 16:126 was revealed at Uhud, where the body of Hamza had been mutilated and the Prophet said he would mutilate thirty of them in return; the verse held him back. Reports in Sahih al-Bukhari add that he forbade plunder and mutilation of the dead.