Prohibition of Harming and Retaliation
📖Sunan Ibn Majah 2340
It was narrated from ‘Ubadah bin Samit that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ruled: “There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.”
Understanding the Hadith
This hadith establishes a fundamental Islamic principle: no one should cause harm to others, and no harm should be returned in response to harm.
- Islam prohibits both initiating harm and retaliating with harm, emphasizing justice, fairness, and ethical conduct.
- This ruling applies to all aspects of life—social, economic, moral, and legal matters.
- Even if someone harms you, Islam does not allow revenge in a way that leads to injustice.
🔹 The Two Key Principles in This Hadith:
1️⃣ “No harming (لا ضرر – la darar)” → One should not initiate harm against others.
2️⃣ “No reciprocating harm (لا ضرار – la dirar)” → If harmed, one should not respond with excessive or unjust harm.
This principle ensures that Islamic society is based on justice, peace, and personal responsibility.
Islamic Ethics of Harm and Justice
📖Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:8)
“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness…”
🔹 This verse emphasizes that even when dealing with enemies or oppressors, one must not act unjustly or harm them beyond what is fair and lawful.
- Justice must be upheld, even if emotions push one toward revenge.
- Harming others unjustly is forbidden, and even when responding to harm, one must remain within the limits of fairness.
What This Hadith Teaches Us
1️⃣ Islam Does Not Allow Unjust Harm to Anyone
- Whether in business, family, personal relationships, or society, Islam forbids causing harm intentionally.
- This includes physical, emotional, financial, or social harm.
- Examples:
- Cheating in business harms buyers.
- Spreading false accusations harms a person’s reputation.
- Verbal abuse or emotional manipulation harms the mind and soul.
📖Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195)
“And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.”
🔹 This verse reminds us that harming others, or even harming oneself, is not acceptable in Islam.
2️⃣ Revenge Must Be Limited by Justice, Not Emotion
- Islam permits justice but forbids excessive revenge.
- If someone wrongs you, you cannot exceed the limits set by Allah when responding.
📖Surah Ash-Shura (42:40)
“And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation – his reward is with Allah…”
🔹 This verse teaches that while justice is allowed, forgiveness is better.
- Example: If someone insults you, Islam allows you to respond in kind, but it is better to forgive and let go.
📖Surah Al-Baqarah (2:179)
“And there is life for you in legal retribution, O people of understanding, that you may become righteous.”
🔹 Islam allows legal retribution in cases of serious harm (such as murder), but only through proper legal channels, not personal revenge.
3️⃣ Justice Does Not Mean Oppression
- If someone causes harm, the response must be proportional—not excessive or unjust.
- Example: If a thief steals something, he should be punished according to Islamic law, not tortured or harmed unjustly.
📖Surah An-Nahl (16:90)
“Indeed, Allah commands justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression…”
🔹 This verse reminds us that justice should always be done fairly, without falling into oppression.
This hadith teaches a powerful life lesson: A Muslim should neither harm others nor respond to harm in an unjust manner.
- Islam is a religion of balance, justice, and mercy.
- Personal revenge is discouraged, while legal justice is encouraged to prevent further harm.
- Forgiveness is highly rewarded, but justice must be upheld when necessary.
📖Surah Al-Isra (17:7)
“If you do good, you do good for yourselves; and if you do evil, you do it against yourselves.”
🔹 Ultimately, harming others only leads to harm returning to oneself. The best way to live is with fairness, kindness, and justice.