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What is the ruling on saying "Sabba'ak, Allahu Yussabbi'ak" when angry, what is the origin of this word, and does it constitute shirk (polytheism)?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The phrase "sabb'ak" (سبعك) or "wallahi yusabbi'ak" (والله يسبعك) is used for denunciation, cursing, and wishing ill upon someone, and it does not imply polytheism (shirk). Its meaning is: to curse him, disparage him, belittle him, and accuse him of that which is evil. The Muslim is commanded to speak well and purify his tongue. Allah Almighty says: ﴿And speak to people good words﴾ and ﴿O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of uprightness.﴾ And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade cursing by saying: "Do not curse anyone," and "The believer is not a slanderer, nor a curser, nor an obscene person, nor a foul-mouthed person."

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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