754 The retaliation is prescribed in three places in the Pentateuch, viz., Exod.
21:23-25; Leviticus
24:18-21, and Deut.
19:21. The wording in the three quotations is different, but in none of them is found the additional rider for mercy, as here. Note that in Matt.
5:38, Jesus quotes the Old Law "eye for eye." etc., and modifies it in the direction of forgiveness, but the Qur'anic injunction is more practical. This appeal for mercy is as between man and man in the spiritual world. Even where the injured one forgives, the State or Ruler is competent to take such action as is necessary for the preservation of law and order in Society. For crime has a bearing that goes beyond the interests of the person injured: the Community is affected: see
5:32 . 755 This is not part of the Mosaic Law, but the teaching of Jesus and of Muhammad. Notice how the teaching of Jesus is gradually introduced as leading up to the Qur'an 756 The seeming repetitions at the end of verses 44, 45 and 47 are not real repetitions. The significant words in the three cases are: Unbelievers, wrongdoers, and rebellious: and each fits the context. If the Jews tamper with their books they are Unbelievers; if they give false judgements, they are wrongdoers. If the Christians follow not their light, they are rebellious.