Here are real lines about enemies from eight traditions. Many ask us to answer hate with good. Some hope an enemy can become a friend. Confucius asks for justice for harm, and kindness for kindness.
27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, 28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
There are still others who say that the greatest hero is he who makes his enemy his friend.
In his vexation he would have prayed to God to destroy them, but said Beruryah, his wife: "Be mindful of the teachings of thy faith. Pray not that sinners may perish, but that the sin itself may disappear and no opportunity for its practice remain."
34 The good deed and the evil deed are not alike. Repel the evil deed with one which is better, then lo! he, between whom and thee there was enmity (will become) as though he was a bosom friend. 35 But none is granted it save those who are steadfast, and none is granted it save the owner of great happiness.
8 O ye who believe! Be steadfast witnesses for Allah in equity, and let not hatred of any people seduce you that ye deal not justly. Deal justly, that is nearer to your duty. Observe your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is Informed of what ye do.
Who, unto friend and foe Keeping an equal heart, with equal mind Bears shame and glory; with an equal peace Takes heat and cold, pleasure and pain; abides Quit of desires, hears praise or calumny In passionless restraint, unmoved by each; Linked by no ties to earth, steadfast in Me, That man I love!
197. Let us live happily then, not hating those who hate us! among men who hate us let us dwell free from hatred!
201. Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered is unhappy. He who has given up both victory and defeat, he, the contented, is happy.
To the good I would be good; to the not-good I would also be good, in order to make them good. With the faithful I would keep faith; with the unfaithful I would also keep faith, in order that they may become faithful. Even if a man is bad, how can it be right to cast him off? Requite injury with kindness.
Some one said, "What do you say concerning the principle that injury should be recompensed with kindness?" The Master said, "With what then will you recompense kindness?" "Recompense injury with justice, and recompense kindness with kindness."
No one is my enemy, and no one is a stranger. I get along with everyone.
Fareed, do not turn around and strike those who strike you with their fists. Kiss their feet, and return to your own home.
Every quote on this page is checked word for word against the stored text of its book.