We have decreed for them in it that a life for a life, and an eye for an eye, and a nose for a nose, and an ear for an ear, and a tooth for a tooth, and wounds to be similar; and whoever remits anything of it, then it will cancel sins for him. Whoever does not judge by what God has sent down, then these are the wicked.
Translation endnotes
[5:45] Compare it to Exodus 21:24-36. Though the Old Testament version contains many more instructions, it does not mention the Quranic version reminding the Children of Israel that remission or giving up the punishment is a better choice. The Quranic version of the Old Testament rule is the Golden-plated Brazen rule, or "Generous tit-for-tat" which is the most effective moral rule in the real world. See 9:2- 29. Also see 8:61; 4:90; 41:34.