One of the sons of Harun al-Rashid came to his father, angry, saying that the son of a certain officer had insulted his mother.
Harun asked his state officials, “What should be the punishment for such a person?”
One suggested execution, another suggested cutting out his tongue, and another suggested confiscation and exile.
Harun said, “O my son! Generosity is to forgive, but if you cannot, then insult his mother in return, but do not let the revenge exceed the limit, for then the injustice will be on our side and the claim will be against us.”
A wise man is not one
Who fights with a raging elephant
Indeed, a true man is one who, when angered,
Does not speak falsely.
