Does self-defense contradict forgiving the oppressor who committed defamation, and what is the Sharīʿah's view on responding to injustice?

Self-defense is permissible, but forgiveness is better, as Allah Almighty says: "The recompense of an evil is an evil like thereof; but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah. Indeed, He does not like the wrongdoers." And His saying, the Almighty: "But if one is patient and forgives, indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination." Patience, silence, and not responding to the oppressor are better than self-defense, as Allah Almighty says: "And if you punish [an enemy], then punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for those who are patient." Whoever defends himself and takes his right will not attain the reward of forgiveness.