Is it permissible for a Muslim to strike another Muslim who has struck him?

The Lawgiver has permitted one who has been wronged to retaliate in kind and to take his right, as Allah Almighty says: "So whoever commits aggression against you, aggress against him in like measure as he aggressed against you," and "The recompense of an evil is an evil like thereof." However, forgiveness towards aggressors is better and more rewarding, as Allah Almighty says: "But whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is due from Allah." Patience and suppressing anger are characteristics of the pious, as in His saying: "And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden whose width is the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous, who spend in prosperity and adversity, and who suppress anger and pardon people - and Allah loves the doers of good," and the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "Whoever suppresses his anger, though he could have given vent to it, Allah will fill his heart with contentment on the Day of Resurrection."