Is It Permissible to Insult Those Who Verbally Abuse Muslims?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Is it ‘okay’ to insult non-Muslims or even Muslims that insult ourself, our communities, our women, either verbally or physically. Is it ‘Haram’ to insult them back with the words such as, pig, dog, etc,.?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,

I pray that you are well, insha’Allah.

It would be permitted to respond with the like. However, the condition is that the original insult not be something impermissible. Hence, it would not be permitted to respond by cursing or using other unlawful language. [Nahlawi, al-Durar al-Mubaha fi al-Hadhr wa’l Ibaha]

However, Ibn Hajar al-Haytami notes in his list of enormities, ‘vituperating a Muslim or attacking his honour.’ [Keller, Reliance of the Traveller] [vituperate: blame or insult (someone) in strong or violent language.]

Nahlawi explains that ridiculing another entails showing disdain or contempt for another in a manner that causes laughter. This, too, is unlawful. [ibid.] Allah Most High says, ‘O believers, let not any people scoff at another people who may be better than they; neither let women scoff at women who may be better than themselves. And find not fault with one another, neither revile one another by nicknames. An evil name is ungodliness after belief. And whoso repents not, those — they are the evildoers.’ [49:11]

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, ‘The Muslim is the brother of the Muslim. He does not oppress him, hang back from his aid, or belittle him. It is sufficiently wicked for someone to demean his fellow Muslim’ [Muslim]

Moreover, Allah Most High says, ‘Woe to whoever disparages others behind their back or to their face’ [104:1]

The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) was attacked, abused and wronged in the most odious of ways, however he never responded except with the most beautiful, dignified and restrained of conduct.

May Allah give us a portion of that prophetic beauty.

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam,

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani