Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 678 [Read full issue]
Cursing
Cursing (la'n or la'nah) normally consists of an expression of disapproval or displeasure and invocation of affliction upon the object of the curse. Curses are often uttered by calling the curse and wrath of God upon someone or something.
According to a hadith reported by Muslim, someone asked the Prophet, peace be upon him, to call the curse of God upon the polytheists, to which the Prophet replied, 'I have not been sent to curse. I have been sent only as a mercy.'
Cursing particular individuals or groups is 'a dangerous violation', except when this is specified, for example, in the Quran where God has cursed individuals such as the Pharaoh and Abu Jahl. Apart from cases like this, it is unlawful to curse a particular person by name, partly because it is just possible that the person concerned, if a non-Muslim or a sinner, might have become a Muslim, or might have repented. If cursing a disbeliever is unlawful, then it is all the more so with regard to a transgressor and heretic. It is thus concluded that cursing a particular individual, even a disbeliever, is unlawful and must be avoided.
Cursing is discouraged even when it is not addressed to a person, when it is uttered in vain, or when it is addressed to objects and natural phenomena. It is reported from Ibn Abbas that when a man cursed the wind in the presence of the Prophet he was told 'curse not the wind for it is ordained [to take its course]. When a person inappropriately curses something, the curse returns to him.' [Tirmidhi]
Compiled From:
"Freedom of Expression in Islam" - Mohammad Hashim Kamali, pp. 182-185