Obscene Words Contradict Good Morals

5-4-2018 | IslamWeb

Question:

As-Salamu Alaikum. I went through your website and found an article, https://www.islamweb.net/ehajj/printarticle.php?id=42695&lang=ENear the end of the article, it listed out foul language "bit_ _," "bast_ _ _," "hell," "damn," "as_," and "pis_." I myself do not use those terms, except "hell" in accordance to the Quran and Sunnah. What I mean is that I will say that there's heaven and hell, the description of hell, and etc. I do not use it in this equation "What the hell?" and "It's hell on this earth" and "It's hell out there" and etc.I already sent a question earlier #2689449. I still would like to know the answer for those terms by responding to that particular fatwa separately from this question of mine. I hope that made sense.I would like to know if it's haram to say these words:-crap-freaking (not the definition of panicking/worrying)-screw (not the word screwdriver)-nigga-sh_t-fu_ _I'm asking for a fatwa to help other Muslims who uses cuss words, because I have not seen many fatwas on this specific issue. I noticed that it's widespread to laymans, da'ees, student of knowledge, and etc. This is my last question for this topic. Jazak Allahu Khayran.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

These words are obscene and vulgar words that a believer should not utter. Rather, a Muslim is not permitted to utter such words.

‘Aa’ishah narrated that the Prophet said: “Allah does not like obscene words or deeds, or doing intentional committing of obscenity.” [Muslim]

Also, Abu Ad-Dardaa’ narrated that the Prophet said: “Nothing is heavier on the believer's scale on the Day of Judgment than good character. Indeed Allah, the Most High, is angered by the shameless obscene person.” [At-Tirmithi who classified it as authentic]

Therefore, a Muslim should accustom his tongue to saying good words and avoiding obscene words. Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should say good words or keep silent.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

It should be noted that the words in the article that you referred to, were not mentioned in the context of approving of them; rather, they were mentioned in the context of denial, and that the use of such words is one of the bad effects on children if they watch TV programs (or video games) without considering Islamic prohibitions.

It is very unlikely that the preacher or the student of knowledge would use such obscene words.

If some preachers or students of knowledge used them, then this is very rare and an exception. Otherwise, the preacher and the student of knowledge are an example to be followed, so it is expected from them to abide by the rulings of the Sharee'ah in their behavior, otherwise they could be a reason for misleading people.

If someone sees a person saying these bad words –no matter who the speaker is –he has to forbid him/ her from this evil, but he should advise him/ her in a wise manner and good exhortation.

Allah knows best.