20/08/2026
BULLYING, REVENGE, AND THE SANCTITY OF LIFE IN ISLAM
Bullying, humiliating, harming, or deliberately hurting others is not allowed in Islam. At the same time, Islam also teaches us that revenge, retaliation, and taking matters into our own hands are not the proper solution.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced tremendous persecution and abuse from the Quraysh. He was insulted, mocked, rejected, harmed, and driven out of Makkah. Yet he did not respond to personal insults and oppression with uncontrolled revenge. He showed patience, wisdom, forgiveness, and restraint.
This teaches us an important lesson: being hurt does not give us permission to become unjust ourselves. We must not answer bullying with more bullying, hatred with hatred, or violence with unlawful violence.
However, Islam also teaches us to protect what is sacred and to stand against wrongdoing in the proper manner. When the religion of Allah, the dignity of people, or the rights of others are seriously violated, a Muslim should not simply remain silent out of cowardice or indifference. But even then, our response must remain within the limits of Shariah, justice, wisdom, and the law.
A person must never use religion as an excuse for anger, personal revenge, or unlawful violence. We must distinguish between defending what is right and taking revenge because of our personal emotions.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
«لَا ضَرَرَ وَلَا ضِرَارَ»
“There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm.”
And Allah says:
﴿وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ﴾
“Do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not love the transgressors.”
(Al-Baqarah 2:190)
Therefore, do not bully. Do not humiliate. Do not threaten. And do not seek revenge.
If someone wrongs you, seek justice through the proper and lawful means. If you need to defend yourself or others, do so with wisdom and without transgressing the limits set by Islam.
Life is precious in our religion. A Muslim does not treat human life as something cheap or disposable. Every action must be weighed against the fear of Allah and the consequences in the Hereafter.
Let us teach our children and our community that strength is not in revenge. True strength is having the ability to control anger, protect the innocent, stand for truth, and remain within the limits of Islam.
No to bullying. No to revenge. No to unlawful violence. Yes to justice, wisdom, mercy, and the protection of life.
May Allah guide us to respond to every situation in a way that pleases Him and never allow our anger to make us transgress His limits. آمين.
Madrasato Habib Mohammad Al-islamiyah مدرسة حبيب محمَد الإسلامية
MHMA Student Council