Dishonouring Others
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Creator: Imam Ibn Taymiyyah
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Identifier: http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=452
Language: en
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Subject: character
Title: Dishonouring Others
Created on: Wed Dec 26 13:30:55 -0500 2007
Updated on: Wed Dec 26 13:30:55 -0500 2007
Version: 1
Abstract: ... d whoever defends himself after being oppressed, these it is against whom there is no way (of blame)." (42:40-41). The Prophet, peace be upon him, has said: "The two who abuse each other - whatever they may say - he who has begun is to blame, unless the oppressed (abused preliminarily) has retaliated in excess: has exceeded (lawful) reparation (satisfaction for wrong). An insult which does not constitute a lie is one which tells of the shameful behavior of a man, or one in which such a man is called son of a bitch or an ass or the like. (In this case retaliation in the same terms is permitted). But if a man ascribed to another man demerits which are not known of the other man, the other man is not permitted to retaliate in the same manner. Even if the former has accused the latter - unjustly, however - of disbelief and debauchery, the latter has no right to return the same accusation to the former. And if the former has cursed the father or the tribe of the latter, the latter has no right to curse the father or the tribe of the former, since the father and the tribe of the former were not those who cursed him. In this respect, Allah, be He exalted, has said: "O you who believe, be upright for Allah, bearer of witness with justice; and let not hatred of a people incite you not to act equitably. Be just, that is nearer to observance of duty. And keep your duty to Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do." (5:8) Allah has (in this verse) enjoined the Muslims that their hatred, (even) to the infidels, should not cause them to be unjust, as He has said: "Be just; that is nearer to the observance of duty." If the dishonouring insult was forbidden because it would inflict some pers... [Full Article...]
