Do you know that hurting others, even with words, is a major sin in Islam? Understanding what Islam says about hurting others can help us become better Muslims and improve our relationships.
So, Islam says about hurting others is very clear it is not allowed in any way. Whether through words, actions, or emotions, causing pain to others is a big sin. The Quran tells us to be kind, and Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that a good Muslim is someone who does not harm others. Instead of hurting people, Islam teaches us to be patient, forgive, and show mercy. If someone makes a mistake and hurts another person, they should say sorry and try to make things right. Being kind brings Allah’s blessings and makes life better for everyone.
In this article, I will explore what Islam says about hurting others and why it is a serious matter. You will learn how Islam teaches us to be kind, avoid harming people, and seek forgiveness if we ever hurt someone.
What the Quran Says About Hurting People
The Quran clearly teaches that hurting others is wrong. Allah tells us to use kind words and treat people with respect. One of the most important verses about this is:
قَوْلٌ مَّعْرُوفٌ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِّن صَدَقَةٍ يَتْبَعُهَا أَذًى ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَنِيٌّ حَلِيمٌ
“Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:263)
This verse teaches us that even a good deed like charity loses its value if it is followed by hurting someone. Islam does not only focus on actions but also on how we treat others. A person may give charity, but if they hurt others with their words, their good deed loses its reward.
Another powerful verse warns about the sin of harming others:
وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْذُونَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ بِغَيْرِ مَا اكْتَسَبُوا فَقَدِ احْتَمَلُوا بُهْتَانًا وَإِثْمًا مُّبِينًا
“And those who harm believing men and believing women for something other than what they have earned have certainly borne upon themselves a slander and manifest sin.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:58)
This verse teaches us that hurting others is a big sin in Islam. Whether we hurt someone with our words or actions, it is wrong. Even if the harm is small, Allah does not like it. As Muslims, we should always be careful with what we say and do so that we do not cause pain to anyone, even by mistake.
Hurting Others with Words in Islam
Words are very powerful. They can make someone happy, but they can also hurt a lot. Islam teaches us to be very careful with what we say because bad words can break hearts and destroy relationships. Sometimes, people do not realize that their words can hurt just like hitting someone.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“A true Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands others are safe.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
This means a good Muslim does not harm others with words or actions. Speaking in a rude way, making fun of someone, lying, or gossiping are all big sins in Islam.
For example, many people backbite, which means talking badly about someone when they are not there. Backbiting is very wrong in Islam because it can cause fights and make people lose trust in each other. Instead of hurting people with our words, we should speak kindly and help others feel good. A true Muslim always talks with respect and avoids saying anything that can cause pain.
Hurting Others with Actions in Islam
In Islam, hurting people in any way is not allowed. Just like we should not hurt others with our words, we should also not hurt them with our actions. Hitting someone, treating them badly, or being unfair is completely wrong. No matter if the harm is small or big, it is something that Allah does not like.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Do not harm others, and do not return harm with harm.” (Ibn Majah)
This means a Muslim should never hurt anyone. Even if someone does something bad to us, we should not take revenge in a way that causes more harm. Instead, Islam teaches us to be patient and forgive others.
Is Hurting Someone a Sin in Islam?
Yes, hurting someone for no reason is a big sin in Islam. Whether we hurt someone with our words, actions, or behavior, it is something that Allah does not like. Islam teaches us to be kind and gentle, not rude or harmful.
Even small things can hurt someone. For example, pushing someone, rolling eyes in a rude way, or ignoring a person on purpose can cause pain. Islam teaches us to be careful about how we treat others. We should always try to be gentle, respectful, and caring so that we do not harm anyone, even by mistake.
The Rewards of Being Kind
In Islam, hurting others is a sin, but being kind brings great rewards. Allah loves those who are gentle and caring. A true Muslim treats others with kindness, no matter who they are.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Allah is kind and loves kindness in all matters.” (Bukhari)
This means that kindness is one of the most beloved qualities in Islam. When we are kind to others, Allah blesses us in this life and the next. Even small acts, like helping someone, speaking politely, or smiling, can bring great rewards.
What to Do If You Hurt Someone in Islam
Sometimes, we say or do things that hurt others, even if we don’t mean to. Islam teaches us that when we realize our mistake, we should fix it quickly. If we ignore it, it can make things worse, but if we correct it, Allah will be pleased with us.
Here’s what we should do:
Say Sorry with a Sincere Heart
If you hurt someone, don’t wait to say so sorry. A simple and honest apology can fix many problems. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us to ask forgiveness from people we hurt. Don’t let pride stop you from apologizing. Even a small word like “I am sorry” can heal a broken heart.
Make Dua for Them
After apologizing, pray for them. Ask Allah to bless them, remove their pain, and bring peace between you. If you sincerely pray for someone, it shows you really regret hurting them. It also helps to remove bad feelings between both of you.
Do Something Nice for Them
If you hurt someone, try to do something good to make them feel better. Maybe you can help them with a small task, give them a kind message, or even buy them a little gift. Even something as simple as a warm smile can heal the pain.
Ask Allah to Forgive You
No matter how small or big the mistake is, ask Allah for forgiveness. He is the Most Merciful and forgives those who truly regret their actions. When we ask Allah for forgiveness and try to be better, He gives us peace in our hearts.
In everyday life, mistakes happen. What matters is how we fix them. By saying sorry, praying for the person, doing good for them, and asking Allah for forgiveness, we can bring back love and kindness into our lives.
Conclusion
Islam teaches us to be kind and bring peace to others. What Islam says about hurting others is very clear: hurting someone with words or actions is a big sin. It can damage relationships, cause pain, and bring punishment in the hereafter. That is why the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) tell us to always be gentle and respectful.
If we ever hurt someone, we should not ignore it. Islam teaches us to say sorry, fix our mistakes, and ask Allah for forgiveness. When we are kind and forgiving, our hearts feel at peace, and Allah gives us great rewards.
So, if you have hurt someone, don’t wait. Call them, send a message, or talk to them. A simple “I am sorry” can heal hearts. May Allah help us all be kind and caring. Ameen.