Is it permissible for me to defend myself by striking if I am subjected to assault or harassment by others?

It is not permissible for a Muslim to be reckless, unjust, or aggressive towards others. Rather, if he is wronged or assaulted, he has the right to repel the wrong and seek retribution, though forgiveness is better. A Muslim must restrain his tongue and hand from cursing, reviling, slandering, and assaulting others, and should keep away from bad companions. The bankrupt person on the Day of Resurrection is one who comes with many good deeds but has wronged people, so his good deeds are taken for them. If his good deeds are exhausted, some of their sins are taken and cast upon him, and then he is cast into the Fire.