Revenge
The temptation to react sharply and defensively is very great, yet we know that, as Trustees of the Merciful, we should not do so. Not only is it contrary to the spirit of the instructions of the Master and the Guardian, with which you are thoroughly familiar, but giving vent to such reaction tends to evoke resentment rather than bringing about the desired result.
- Letter from the Universal House of Justice, dated January 25, 1972, to a National Spiritual Assembly
Beware, beware, lest any of you seek vengeance, even against one who is thirsting for your blood. Beware, beware, lest ye offend the feelings of another, even though he be an evil-doer, and he wish you ill. Look ye not upon the creatures, turn ye to their Creator. See ye not the never-yielding people, see but the Lord of Hosts. Gaze ye not down upon the dust, gaze upward at the shining sun, which hath caused every patch of darksome earth to glow with light.
- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Selections from the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 73
Quote of the Day
Istiqlal 5 Qudrat 182 B.E.
As to the punishments for such acts as rape, these will be determined in the future by the Universal House of Justice.
From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer – 8 June 1982