To what extent is it obligatory to flee from an assailant if repelling him would not lead to his death? Is it permissible to strike the assailant on his face? To what extent is it obligatory to seek help from people? Is it sufficient to merely reprimand him verbally? What is the ruling on retaliating in kind or using hurtful words against someone who insults or mocks? Is it permissible to strike him to rid oneself of his evil if he does not desist? What is the Muslim's stance towards someone who verbally abuses his father or mother with obscene language? Is holding a person by their neck or shoulder considered striking if it does not cause apparent harm?

An aggressor must be repelled with the lightest means available, starting with verbal dissuasion, then seeking help, then striking with the hand, then with a whip, then with a stick, then amputating a limb, and finally killing. He is obligated to flee or escape if possible. There is no retaliation (qisas) for a slap according to the majority of scholars; instead, it warrants discretionary punishment (ta'zir). Retaliating against verbal aggression should be with similar words, and it is not permissible to respond to words with physical blows. It is permissible to respond in kind to someone who curses one's parents, without exceeding the person of the curser himself.