A unique, brief and highly authentic statement by the Prophet may be translated as follows: "There shall be no infliction of harm on oneself or others"1. This constitutes a principle which is further emphasized by other statements by the Prophet, such as the hadith which says: "Cursed be everyone who causes harm to a believer or schemes against him"2. The Prophet also said: "God will inflict harm on anyone who harms others"3. Another version of this last hadith states: "Anyone who causes harm to a believer shall suffer harm brought against him by God"4.
Perhaps the most lucid definition of causing harm was stated by Rasheed Reda in his commentary on sura 5, entitled The Repast (Al-maida): "It means that all harm, whether affecting an individual or a group of people, must be removed". It is from this principle that we derive the all important rule which stresses the need to prevent all evil and safeguard personal and communal interests, always observing the aims of Islamic legislation.
The prohibition on causing harm is clearly stated in the Quran: Say: My Lord has forbidden all atrocities, whether overt or disguised, and harm (ithm). (7:33) Another verse in the Quran states: Abandon all harm (ithm), whether committed openly or in secret. (6:120) In reference to intoxicating drinks and gambling, God says: There is great ithm (harm) in both although they have some benefit for people; but their ithm (harm) is far greater than their benefit. (2:219) It is clear from this last verse that the term ‘ithm’ is used here, as well as in the other verses, as an antonym of benefit, which means that it is synonymous with harm. When we take all three verses together we realise that causing harm is forbidden in the Quran. It is not lawful for a Muslim to cause harm to himself or to other people. Evidence supporting this prohibition is to be found in plenty in the Quran.
Just for you my dear....
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