By Kamal Sikder
In Islamic teachings, character assassination is considered a grievous sin, one that goes against the fundamental principles of humanity, ethics, and the guidance of the Qur’an. It is a moral transgression that can lead to severe consequences both in this world and the Hereafter. Islam strictly prohibits slander, gossip, and unfounded accusations, recognizing them as actions that cause irreparable harm to individuals and communities. The Qur’an warns of the consequences of such behavior, stating:
> “And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear on themselves the crime of slander and plain sin” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:58).
Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the gravity of words, saying:
> “A man might speak a word without thinking about its implications, but because of it, he will plunge into the Hellfire further than the distance between the east and west” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
However, Islam also differentiates between baseless character assassination and speaking out against injustice, particularly when it comes to holding leaders accountable.
Criticizing Injustice: A Form of Jihad
In Islam, standing up against oppression and injustice is not only permissible but is regarded as one of the highest forms of jihad (struggle for righteousness). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
> “If you see an unjust ruler doing bad, stop him. If you are unable to stop him (due to fear of repercussions), raise your voice against the injustice. If you are unable to do that, then hate his actions in your heart, and this is the lowest level of faith.”
This teaching highlights the importance of opposing tyranny and corruption while maintaining ethical conduct. Criticizing an unjust authority is not equivalent to character assassination; it is a moral duty to uphold justice and ensure accountability.
The Ethics of Criticism
Islamic scholars, such as Imam Shafi’i, stressed the importance of advising others with wisdom and dignity. Imam Shafi’i famously said:
> “Support me with your advice in private, and avoid advising me in public. Surely giving advice among the people is a kind of reproach, which I would rather not listen to. If you disobey and ignore my wish, don’t be saddened if you are not obeyed.”
He further emphasized that advising someone in private is a form of constructive improvement, whereas public admonishment could lead to disgrace and humiliation. Such principles remind Muslims to ensure their criticism is rooted in sincerity, not personal vendettas or malice.
The Dangers of False Accusations
False accusations, especially those targeting a person’s honour or morality, are among the gravest sins in Islam. Accusing someone of zina (adultery) without the requisite evidence is a major offense that incurs severe legal and spiritual consequences. The Qur’an prescribes the punishment for slander:
> “And those who launch a charge against chaste women, and produce not four witnesses (to support their allegation), flog them with eighty stripes; and reject their evidence ever after, for such men are wicked transgressors” (Surah An-Nur 24:4).
This strict guideline underscores the sanctity of a person’s honor and the importance of avoiding baseless accusations. Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against invoking curses or Allah’s wrath upon others, stating:
> “Do not invoke the curse of Allah upon one another, or the wrath of Allah, or Hell” (Abu Dawood).
Brotherhood and Unity in Islam
Islam promotes a sense of unity and brotherhood among believers, discouraging actions that breed hatred, envy, or division. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised:
> “Do not envy one another, do not artificially inflate prices, do not hate one another, do not turn away from one another, do not undercut one another. Be, O slaves of Allah, brothers. The Muslim is the brother of his fellow Muslim. He does not wrong him, let him down, or despise him. Piety (taqwa) is here” – and he pointed to his chest three times. “It is sufficient evil for a man to despise his Muslim brother. The whole of a Muslim is sacred to another Muslim: his blood, his wealth, and his honor” (Muslim 2564).
This teaching highlights the value of protecting a fellow Muslim’s dignity and maintaining harmonious relationships.
A Balanced Perspective
Islamic teachings call for a balanced approach: speaking out against injustice when necessary while avoiding personal attacks or unverified allegations. Upholding justice is a collective responsibility, but it must be carried out with integrity, wisdom, and adherence to ethical principles.
Character assassination is a severe moral and spiritual crime in Islam, but speaking truth to power against oppression is a noble act of faith. Muslims are encouraged to navigate these responsibilities with a sense of accountability, ensuring their words and actions align with the Qur’an and Sunnah.
