What Is the Islamic Ruling on Saying “What the Hell” or “As Hell”?
Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Question
What is the ruling on using expressions like “what the hell,” “as hell,” and words like words in casual speech, if the context is not intended to be disrespectful or vulgar?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Unbecoming Statements
Although this may differ between cultures and languages, the term “what the hell” is seen as an undignified expression and would never be used in a scenario where respectfulness is expected.
That said, it is from the dictates of respect and propriety expected and encouraged for a Muslim that they refrain from saying such statements.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“The believer does not curse or insult others, nor do they speak in a manner that is shameless or undignified.” [Tirmidhi]
Allah Most High says,
“…and speak good things to people…” [Quran; 2:83]
Comparing to Hellfire?!
Similarly, the statement “as hell” is used as a comparison of something to hell. Although less abrasive than the former euphemism, this is also problematic. The reason is that Hellfire is so inexplicable and unfathomable that nothing in this world should be compared to it in that way.
Using this phrase cheapens and diminishes the enormity of Hellfire, which may lead people to not live their lives seeking to avoid it.
The Effect of the Tongue on the Heart
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“A servant’s faith will not be upright until their heart is upright, and their heart will not be upright until their tongue is upright.” [Ahmad]
This narration expresses the immense importance and effect that everything we say has on the state of our hearts and, by extension, our closeness to Allah Most High.
Strive as best as you can to speak only that which is pleasing to Allah Most High.
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he went on to study at Darul Uloom Seminary in New York and completed his studies at Darul Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen.
There, he completed the memorization of the Quran and his study of Islamic Sciences. Throughout his years of study, he was blessed to learn from many great scholars: Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Habib Kazhim al-Saqqaf, Shaykh ‘Umar bin Husayn al-Khatib, and others.
Upon returning, he joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.
