“There is not to be any causing of harm nor is there to be any reciprocating of harm.”
In this hadith, the Prophet ﷺ tells us that all forms of harming others and all forms of wrongly reciprocating harm are prohibited in Islam. There are two types of harm: one that includes acts that only bring harm upon others, and one that includes actions that may bring some benefit, but will cause harm, too. An act that only brings about harm is considered an evil act that is prohibited in Islam.The Qur’an has specifically forbidden acts of this nature. Allah (swt) says in in the Quran in regards to menstruation: "...Say, "It is harm, so keep away from wives during menstruation. And do not approach them until they are pure. And when they have purified themselves, then come to them from where Allah has ordained for you. Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves." (2:222) In regards to a couple deciding whether to divorce: “Either take them back on a reasonable basis or let them go free on a reasonable basis. But do not take them back just to hurt them. And whoever does that had wronged his own soul.” (2:231) Any deeds that only bring about harm or are done solely to cause harm (whether emotional, physical, mental, etc.) are thereby prohibited, not allowed and sinful if committed against the word of Allah and that of His messenger ﷺ. Allah protects us from that which is harmful by way of what has been prescribed in Islam, may we find balance in our lives and follow the straight path. May we avoid all of that which is harmful and seek not to cause harm. It is harder to discern how to go about actions that may be beneficial or permissible, but may cause harm. If someone performs an action that is considered inappropriate or unacceptable-and harm comes from such actions, then the person performing that deed is responsible for what they do and what comes out of their actions, because it is their responsibility to prevent any harm that may result from their deeds. If a person performs an deed that is improper or does so in an improper way, or if the act causes ‘unacceptable’ levels of harm, then they will be accountable and liable before the people, and before Allah, for the damage caused to others. However, if someone performs an action that is considered allowable or acceptable, but it may result in something harmful for someone else, then they are not held responsible for the harm coming from their actions. This is because they performed the action without any bad or harmful intentions, nor did they necessarily foresee the chances of harm coming from their actions. Thus, we should never, ever commit a deed or carry out an action with the intent to harm another, whether it be to hurt them, or to seek revenge, or anything of the sort. Indeed, Allah knows best. Of course, this brings us back to the key aspect in our deen-that intention is the key to the weight and value of our actions. May Allah grant us tranquility so that we do not bring harm to others. May we seek restraint and strive for the best and the peaceful for this life and the next.
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