An eye for an eye

It is dangerous to quote a translated passage of scripture out of context. All faith traditions interpret their scriptures in their original languages.

That note aside, the recent media uproar over Sharia punishments in Saudi Arabia led me to look through (a translation) of the Qur'an where I found this passage:

"5:45 In the Torah We decreed for them a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and a wound for a wound. But if a man charitably forbears from retaliation, his remission shall atone for him. Transgressors are those that do not judge in accordance with Allah's revelations"

In much the same way that Leviticus did not refer to an "eye for an eye" but rather saw strict retribution as a limit on punishment and not as a measure of what is proper, it seems Islam praises as the better way the forbearance from retaliation. This is akin to Matthew:

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.
But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."