The Importance of Compassion in Islam: Navigating Pain and Hardship

Should We Wish Calamity Even on Our Enemies? An Islamic Perspective

Question: Is it correct to say, “May Allah not give such pain or calamity even to an enemy,” to express severe pain or hardship?

Answer: In our society, we consider our neighbors or relatives, with whom we have conflicts and disagreements, as our enemies. This phrase is usually said in such a context. When we look at this perspective through the lens of Shariah, this kind of thinking is incorrect. Islam has forbidden us from severing ties with our Muslim brothers for more than three days, meaning we are essentially brothers, and no Muslim can be an enemy to another Muslim. Therefore, it is not correct or appropriate to utter such a phrase in times of pain or otherwise. 

Secondly, saying such a phrase is also a way of expressing the calamity, whereas we should be patient in times of hardship and seek ways to overcome it while praying to Allah. We should pray for ourselves and also for the well-being and safety of our fellow Muslims.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (may Allah preserve him)

❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫