May a Muslim Use Force Against Someone Who Verbally Bullies Others?

Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question

Is it permitted for a Muslim to use force against someone who bullies others with words? Can one stand up for those who are bullied, whether at school or elsewhere?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray this finds you in the best of faith and well-being. Thank you for reaching out with your question.

Verbal bullying should be addressed first through gentle words, and then by seeking help from those in authority. Physical force is not the way to begin.

Using force is only permitted as a last resort, and only in proportion to the harm, when no lighter means are effective. In most cases, this is the responsibility of the authorities, such as the police or the legal system. Supporting those who are wronged is a noble act, but it must also follow these conditions.

The Call of Allah and His Messenger

Allah Most High says: “The repayment of an injury is an injury like it; but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allah.” [Quran, 42:40; Keller, The Quran Beheld]

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) taught: “Whoever among you sees a wrong, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. If he cannot, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.” [Muslim]

Removing Harm–But Only With Lesser Harm

Hanafi jurists set this within the rule of repelling harm by the lightest means (daf‘ al-darar bi-l-akhaff). Imam Mawsuli explains in al-Ikhtiyar that one repels an aggressor by the easiest available method first. Ibn Abidin in Radd al-Muhtar limits any physical response to what is needed to stop the harm, and no more.

In practice, consider these three steps, in order:

First, advise the person calmly and kindly to stop.

Second, if the bullying continues, inform a teacher, parent, or another authority figure.

Third, if the person then resorts to physical harm against you or another, defend yourself or others with only the minimum force needed to stop the harm, and do not go beyond that.

Defending Dignity Without Crossing Limits

We are called to defend dignity, but never at the expense of justice or balance.

Walk with the wronged, through the proper channels first. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Help your brother whether he is the oppressor or the oppressed.” Asked how one helps an oppressor, he said: “By stopping him from his oppression.” [Bukhari]

May Allah make you of those who help the wronged, without ever becoming a cause of harm.

And Allah knows best.

[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani

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Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.

Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.

In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.

Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.

Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” published by White Thread Press in 2004, which is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.

His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.

Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.