How can tolerance be combined with asserting rights and preserving dignity? And does forgiveness mean relinquishing a right, following the example of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who was tolerant to the highest degree despite his immense dignity?

The confusion is dispelled by putting everything in its proper place. Harshness is for the warring enemies of Allah, and gentleness and good treatment are for the believers and when inviting disbelievers to Islam. As for forgiveness and pardon, they are originally better, but they are not so if they result in harm. Forgiving an offender who deserves forgiveness brings good tidings of honor in this world and the hereafter, and reward, provided that one forgives for the sake of Allah, is able to exact one's right, and that one's forgiveness leads to reform, not harm. What Satan might instill in one's mind, that forgiveness is humiliation and submissiveness, is a mere whisper; rather, forgiveness brings honor and elevates one's status.