Prohibition of Slander, Mockery, Humiliation, and Mental Harm in IslamWritten by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (ḥafiẓahullāh)
❖ Islamic Condemnation of Slander, Mockery, and Humiliation
Islamic teachings strictly prohibit false accusations, mockery, humiliation, and causing mental anguish to others. These acts are regarded as major sins, and the Qur'an and Sunnah explicitly condemn them. Allah ﷻ has commanded believers to treat each other with justice, compassion, and mutual respect, placing great emphasis on protecting the honor and dignity of others.
➊ Condemnation of Slander in the Qur’an
Surah al-Nūr (24:23–24):
"Indeed, those who accuse chaste, unsuspecting, believing women — they are cursed in this world and the Hereafter. And for them is a great punishment. On the Day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will testify against them for what they used to do."
These verses clearly state that those who slander others — particularly believing women — will face divine curse and severe punishment in both worlds.Surah al-Ḥujurāt (49:12):
"O you who have believed, avoid much suspicion. Indeed, some suspicion is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other."
This verse prohibits baseless assumptions, suspicion, and backbiting, which are harmful and against Islamic ethics.➋ Hadiths on the Evil of Slander and Humiliation
Hadith 1 — False Accusation is a Grave Sin
Narrated by Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه):
"Whoever harms a believer with something he is innocent of, Allah will confine him in Hell until he retracts his words."
(Sunan Abī Dāwūd)
⚠ This ḥadīth highlights the severe consequences of causing pain to someone through false accusations or fabricated claims.
Hadith 2 — Safety from the Tongue and Hands
Narrated by ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿUmar (رضي الله عنه):
"A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe."
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)
This ḥadīth makes it obligatory to refrain from harming others physically or verbally — which includes slander, insults, and humiliation.➌ Mockery and Derision are Forbidden
Surah al-Ḥujurāt (49:11):
"O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule another people — perhaps they may be better than them. Nor let women ridicule other women — perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another or call each other by offensive nicknames."
This powerful verse emphasizes that mockery, name-calling, and insults are strictly prohibited, as those being ridiculed may be superior in the sight of Allah.➍ Humiliation of the Wife by the Husband
Narrated by ʿĀʾishah (رضي الله عنها):
"The best among you is he who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family."
(Sunan al-Tirmidhī)
This ḥadīth instructs men to treat their wives with kindness, honor, and respect. Humiliating or mocking one’s wife contradicts the noble character of the Prophet ﷺ.Another Prophetic Saying:
"The best of you is the one who is best to his women."
(Sunan Ibn Mājah)
A clear encouragement to adopt an attitude of love, dignity, and gentleness with one’s spouse.✔ Summary
- Slander, mockery, humiliation, and mental harm are severely condemned in the Qur’an and Sunnah.
- These acts are contrary to Islamic morality and can lead to divine punishment in both this world and the Hereafter.
- Muslims are commanded to interact with one another with dignity, respect, and mercy, particularly within the family structure.
Supplication
May Allah protect us from words and actions that cause pain to others and grant us the ability to uphold the honor of every Muslim. Āmīn.
