Islam places significant emphasis on maintaining respectful and virtuous speech, which extends to the teachings regarding swearing and cursing. The guidance from the Quran and Hadith highlights the importance of using language that aligns with Islamic principles and values.

Swearing in Islam: A Serious Matter

Swearing, especially when invoking oaths, is treated with great seriousness in Islam. It is strictly prohibited for a Muslim to swear by anything other than Allah. Doing so is considered an act of Kufr (disbelief) or Shirk (associating partners with Allah). This is supported by a hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who stated,

“He who swears by anyone or anything other than Allah has indeed committed an act of Kufr or Shirk” (At-Tirmidhi).

Swearing falsely or unjustly, particularly in a manner that leads to the wrongful acquisition of another person's property, is especially condemned. Such actions not only draw the anger of Allah but also carry severe consequences in the Hereafter.

This is underscored in the Quran: “Indeed, those who exchange the covenant of Allah and their oaths for a small price will have no share in the Hereafter, and Allah will not speak to them or look at them on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them; and they will have a painful punishment” (Quran 3:77).

Cursing: A Discouraged Practice

Cursing, on the other hand, is generally discouraged in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized that a true believer should not be involved in taunting, frequent cursing, indecency, or abuse.

He said, “A true believer is not involved in taunting, or frequently cursing (others) or in indecency or abusing” (At-Tirmidhi).

This highlights the expectation for Muslims to maintain a clean and respectful manner of speech.

Specific instances further illustrate the Islamic stance on cursing. For example, the Prophet (ﷺ) advised against cursing animals, indicating that it is inappropriate to associate oneself with something that is cursed (Sahih Muslim).

Moreover, Muslims are cautioned against praying for harm upon themselves or others, as such prayers might coincide with a time when Allah answers supplications (Sahih Muslim).

Exceptions and Scholarly Views

There are situations where cursing may be considered permissible, such as cursing Shaytan (Satan) during prayer. However, even in such cases, the emphasis remains on maintaining a clean and respectful tongue.

Scholars have varying opinions on the permissibility of cursing individuals who engage in disobedience, particularly when these individuals are not personally identified. Some scholars argue that it is permissible to curse those with blameworthy characteristics, while others stress the importance of refraining from cursing altogether, particularly towards fellow Muslims. This is because cursing a believer is considered a grave sin, as noted by Imam Nawawi.

Islamic teachings strongly advocate for the use of respectful and virtuous speech. Swearing is permitted only when done in the name of Allah and must not be used falsely or unjustly. Cursing is generally discouraged, with exceptions made under specific circumstances.

Believers are encouraged to focus on positive expressions and supplications, maintaining a language that reflects the moral and ethical standards set by Islam.