What is the ruling on saying: "Taban Lak" (Woe to you/Damn you) to a Muslim?
Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported Sep 2, 2026
The phrase "تبًّا لك" (tabban lak) is a supplication against a person for loss, disappointment, and destruction, as in Ibn Kathir's : "تبت يدا أبي لهب" (May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined) meaning they lost and were disappointed. It is not permissible to say it to a Muslim without a legitimate Shar'i reason. However, if it is a reciprocal response, then it is permissible, as Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned in Majmu' al-Fatawa: "Likewise, he may curse him as he curses him: for example, he may curse him as he curses him. Or he may say: May Allah disgrace you. So he says: May Allah disgrace you."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · imported
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- Original fatwa ID
- 133930
- Imported
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