🛡 Prohibition of Fault-Finding and the Virtue of Concealing Faults in Islam
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (ḥafiẓahullāh)
Islam emphasizes love, brotherhood, and mutual forgiveness among believers. Finding faults in others, criticizing, or exposing their shortcomings is against the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Such actions not only breach Islamic ethics but also sow the seeds of division and hatred within society.
"O you who have believed! Let not a people ridicule another — perhaps they may be better than them — nor let women ridicule other women — perhaps they may be better than them. Do not insult one another or call each other by offensive nicknames… And do not spy or backbite each other."
These verses warn against mockery, belittlement, name-calling, backbiting, and fault-finding, as such behavior violates mutual respect and promotes conflict.
"Indeed, those who love to spread immorality among the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows, while you do not know."
⚠ This verse strongly condemns those who seek to expose or spread the faults and sins of others, describing it as an act deserving of painful punishment.
Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه):
"Whoever conceals the fault of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
✔ This ḥadīth encourages believers to cover the faults of others, promising divine concealment in return.
Narrated by ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنه):
"Whoever finds fault in his Muslim brother, Allah will expose his own faults — even if they are hidden within his home."
(Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī)
A dire warning for those who seek out the flaws of others — they risk having their own private flaws revealed by Allah.
Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه), the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Do not search for the faults of your brothers. Whoever does so, Allah will expose his faults — and when Allah exposes someone, He disgraces him even if he is inside his home."
(Sunan Ibn Mājah)
A clear prohibition against spying, prying, and fault-finding, underscoring that Allah Himself will humiliate such a person.
Islamic teachings, through the Qur’an, Prophetic Hadiths, and the sayings of the Companions, firmly prohibit fault-finding and command believers to:
Practicing these virtues helps to establish a healthy and peaceful society rooted in Islamic ethics and compassion.
May Allah grant us the ability to avoid fault-finding and help us become a source of support, mercy, and respect for others. Āmīn.
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Islam Teaches Brotherhood, Compassion, and Forgiveness
Islam emphasizes love, brotherhood, and mutual forgiveness among believers. Finding faults in others, criticizing, or exposing their shortcomings is against the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. Such actions not only breach Islamic ethics but also sow the seeds of division and hatred within society.
➊ Condemnation of Fault-Finding in the Qur’an
Surah al-Ḥujurāt (49:11–12):
"O you who have believed! Let not a people ridicule another — perhaps they may be better than them — nor let women ridicule other women — perhaps they may be better than them. Do not insult one another or call each other by offensive nicknames… And do not spy or backbite each other."
These verses warn against mockery, belittlement, name-calling, backbiting, and fault-finding, as such behavior violates mutual respect and promotes conflict.Surah al-Nūr (24:19):
"Indeed, those who love to spread immorality among the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows, while you do not know."
⚠ This verse strongly condemns those who seek to expose or spread the faults and sins of others, describing it as an act deserving of painful punishment.
➋ Hadiths on the Prohibition of Fault-Finding and the Virtue of Concealment
❀ Concealing Faults Is a Noble Act
Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه):
"Whoever conceals the fault of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Judgment."
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
✔ This ḥadīth encourages believers to cover the faults of others, promising divine concealment in return.
❀ The Consequence of Fault-Finding
Narrated by ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنه):
"Whoever finds fault in his Muslim brother, Allah will expose his own faults — even if they are hidden within his home."
(Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī)
A dire warning for those who seek out the flaws of others — they risk having their own private flaws revealed by Allah.❀ Prohibition of Spying and Investigating Others’ Sins
Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه), the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Do not search for the faults of your brothers. Whoever does so, Allah will expose his faults — and when Allah exposes someone, He disgraces him even if he is inside his home."
(Sunan Ibn Mājah)
A clear prohibition against spying, prying, and fault-finding, underscoring that Allah Himself will humiliate such a person.✔ Summary
Islamic teachings, through the Qur’an, Prophetic Hadiths, and the sayings of the Companions, firmly prohibit fault-finding and command believers to:
- Avoid mocking or exposing others
- Refrain from backbiting and name-calling
- Conceal the shortcomings of fellow Muslims
- Promote goodwill, sincerity, and mutual respect
Practicing these virtues helps to establish a healthy and peaceful society rooted in Islamic ethics and compassion.
Supplication
May Allah grant us the ability to avoid fault-finding and help us become a source of support, mercy, and respect for others. Āmīn.
