What is the ruling on striking the face for the purpose of teaching self-defense techniques, taking into account the prophetic prohibition against striking the face, and the possibility of taking safety precautions that reduce the impact of the striking? And how do we reconcile the Companions' training in sword fighting with the Prophet's (peace be upon him) prohibition of pointing with an iron object?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is forbidden to strike a Muslim on the face in any way, whether for discipline, teaching, training, or enforcing a legal punishment (حد), due to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) prohibition of it, and because the face is noble, encompassing beauties, and striking it may disfigure or humiliate it. Similarly, it is not permissible to point a weapon at a Muslim, even in jest, due to the fear and terror it causes, and the angels curse whoever does so, and Satan may intervene to cause harm.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 25487
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