What is the ruling on striking someone who verbally assaulted me, in order to preserve dignity and prevent others like him from overstepping, especially if he is younger than me or around my age?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is not permissible to retaliate against injustice with more than what originated from the oppressor, based on the Almighty’s saying: "And if you punish [an enemy], then punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed." So, if one person insults another, it is not permissible for the insulted person to strike him; rather, he may return the insult in kind, though forgiveness and pardon are preferable. It is not permissible to transgress in retaliation by exceeding the limits of Allah, so do not lie about him even if he lies about you, for disobedience is not met with disobedience.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/146275
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 146275
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy