❖ Compiled by: Dr. Riḍā ʿAbdullāh Pāshā ḥafiẓahullāh
Is it possible for a human being to support Shayṭān against another human?
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
✔ 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.
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).
❖ 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).