❖ Compiled by: Dr. Riḍā ʿAbdullāh Pāshā ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Question:
Is it possible for a human being to support Shayṭān against another human?
❖ Answer:
It is narrated from Sayyidunā Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه that:
A man who had consumed alcohol was brought before the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“اِضْرِبُوهُ” — “Beat him.”
Abū Hurayrah رضي الله عنه says:
Some of us began hitting him with our hands, some with their shoes, and others with their garments.
Then the Prophet ﷺ turned to the people, and when some of them said:
“May Allah disgrace him!”
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“لَا تَقُولُوا هَكَذَا، لَا تُعِينُوا عَلَيْهِ الشَّيْطَانَ“
“Do not say that. Do not support Shayṭān against him.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
❖ Key Lessons:
✔ A sinner should be disciplined, not humiliated or cursed.
✔ Mocking, cursing, or expressing satisfaction at a believer’s fall into sin is a form of supporting Shayṭān against him.
✔ Correction should be done with wisdom, mercy, and the aim of reform, not with vengeance or pride.
❖ Summary:
✅ Supporting Shayṭān against any believer, whether by insult, mockery, or cruelty, is prohibited.
✅ Even when punishing a wrongdoer, the intent should be reformation, not public disgrace or hatred.
✅ The Prophetic model is one of compassion and guidance, not aiding the enemy of mankind (Shayṭān).
