Does the harm mentioned in the noble verse: "And those who harm believing men and believing women for what they have not earned have certainly borne slander and manifest sin," include all aspects of life, such as hindering interests and withholding rights, or is it restricted to harming reputations and privacy?
The harm mentioned in the verse includes everything that causes a Muslim harm, whether by word or deed, to their honor, property, or body. This is because, linguistically, adha (أذى) refers to slight, non-severe harm. If minor harm is forbidden by the text of the verse, then severe harm, abuse, or withholding a right are forbidden a fortiori. This is supported by the understanding of Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, of the verse, and by al-Shawkani's statement that harm can be "in any form of harm, whether by word or deed." In conclusion, all harm to a Muslim is forbidden, and it falls under the generality of the verse, except for what is done as retribution (qisas) or similar circumstances.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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