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Single Idea 6823

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / B. Contract Ethics / 1. Contractarianism]

Full Idea

Requite evil with good, and he who is your enemy will become your dearest friend; but none will attain this save those who endure with fortitude and are greatly favoured by Allah.

Gist of Idea

Repay evil with good and your enemies will become friends (though this is hard)

Source

Mohammed (The Koran [c.622], Ch.41)

Book Reference

Mohammed: 'The Koran', ed/tr. Dawood,N.J. [Penguin 1968], p.158


A Reaction

This seems opposed to some of the more vengeful remarks in the Koran. It strikes me as good common sense, since vengeance only seems to breed counter-vengeance. It doesn't carry the full altruistic commitment, though, of unrewarded love.

Related Idea

Idea 6828 You may break off a treaty if you fear treachery from your ally [Mohammed]