The Nature of Divine Revenge and its Difference with Human Revenges

In some verses of the Qur’ān, the attribute of revenge, which is apparently an indecent human feature, is attributed to God and sometimes God is called ‚Vengeful ( d h ū in tiq ā m ), taker of vengeance ( muntaqim )‛. Revenge, in common parlance, means ‚retaliation to soothe one’s heart‛. Actually, in the Qur’ān and traditions, human beings are prohibited from taking revenge. In this research, which is carried out with a descriptive-analytical method and with respect to the verses of the Qur’ān, traditions, and viewpoints of the interpreters, the manner in which this trait is attributed to the Almighty God is examined and it is concluded that the word revenge originally means ‚punishing the sinner‛ rather than ‚requite someone in kind‛. Divine revenge is one of the negative attributes and it is obvious that the punishment of the unruly tyrants and the powerful oppressors is desirable and necessary, and the Divine justice and wisdom does not tolerate ignoring it. Revenge is of three types: the praiseworthy and necessary revenge, permissible revenge, and blameworthy revenge. The most important characteristics of Divine revenge are: purposefulness, inclusiveness, severity, and justice-oriented. The most important reasons for Divine revenge are infidelity, tyranny, repudiation, turning away from Divine signs, and not believing in the Prophet.