When is forgiveness a virtue and when is it a weakness, and how can courage and forbearance be combined, taking into account surrounding circumstances and avoiding throwing oneself into perdition?

It is permissible to seek retribution from an oppressor to the extent of their wrongdoing. However, forgiveness is better and closer to piety. But if forgiveness emboldens the oppressor to persist in their wrongdoing, then it is more appropriate to seek retribution for oneself. A believer should not demean themselves, allowing transgressors to audacious towards them. If one is able to seek retribution, then forgiveness is better.

Forgiveness is exercised when one has the ability to do so, not out of helplessness. It applies to the rights of individuals, not the rights of Allah. It is also practiced when there is a benefit, such as when the aggressor is remorseful and forgiveness will not embolden them. The limit of seeking retribution is not to exceed the extent of the aggression.

If a person fears a greater harm by seeking retribution, then there is no recourse but patience. There is a difference between courage (steadfastness of heart in the face of fears) and recklessness (acting without regard for consequences), and between resoluteness (weighing matters and discerning good from evil) and cowardice, and between forgiveness (waiving a right out of generosity and grace when one has the ability to retaliate) and humiliation (refraining from retaliation out of helplessness and fear). Therefore, praiseworthy is forgiveness after one has the ability to retaliate, not the forgiveness of humiliation and helplessness.