If you overpower your enemy, then pardon him by way of thankfulness to God, for being able to subdue him?

Question

Why? Why not?

Answer 1

This is an islamic saying of Ali ibn Abu talib the fourth caliph of islam
Here are some more

1. During civil disturbance adopt such an attitude that people do not attach any importance to you - they neither burden you with complicated affairs, nor try to derive any advantage out of you.

2. He who is greedy is disgraced; he who discloses his hardship will always be humiliated; he who has no control over his tongue will often have to face discomfort.

3. Avarice is disgrace; cowardice is a defect; poverty often disables an intelligent man from arguing his case; a poor man is a stranger in his own town; misfortune and helplessness are calamities; patience is a kind of bravery; to sever attachments with the wicked world is the greatest wealth; piety is the best weapon of defence.

4. Submission to Allah's Will is the best companion; wisdom is the noblest heritage; theoretical and practical knowledge are the best signs of distinction; deep thinking will present the clearest picture of every problem.

5. The mind of a wise man is the safest custody of secrets; cheerfulness is the key to friendship; patience and forbearance will conceal many defects.

6. A conceited and self-admiring person is disliked by others; charity and alms are the best remedy for ailments and calamities; one has to account in the next world for the deeds that he has done in this world.

7. Man is a wonderful creature; he sees through the layers of fat (eyes), hears through a bone (ears) and speaks through a lump of flesh (tongue).

8. When this world favors somebody, it lends him the attributes, and surpassing merits of others and when it turns its face away from him it snatches away even his own excellences and fame.

9. Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company.

10. If you overpower your enemy, then pardon him by way of thankfulness to Allah, for being able to subdue him.

Answer 2

The act is an act of mercy but why were you enemies in the first place, who is the enemy, and how do you ensure that he uses your pardoning properly?
If you overpower a serial killer and pardon him, you got your satisfaction of pardening and let loose a criminal in the community. So you be the judge if bringing him to justice would have been a better process.
When Ali, the fourth Caliph, left the compbatant that he had over-powered, had its own reasons. First Ali had the rightful cause of defence to take care of the subdued enemy. However, when the subdued enemy spat on Ali, he let him go after disarming him instead of killing him. Ali said that after spiiting his own anger could have become part of the revenge while his original struggle was a righteous cause. Moreover, the combatant was not a commomn criminal but part of an army so there was no concern of him causing harm to otherss after disarming him and sending him on his way.
So, you have to weigh the situation. If any harm could come to from your pardening than better let it go the justice process.
Allah knows best.

Answer 3

This is assuming that your enemy is a fellow muslim, as Mohammed wrote that it is a Muslims duty to kill all infidels. What is an infidel? Why don't you tell us so noone yells at me for it...