Muhammad’s Insult and Curse Against an Orphan: An Interfaith Perspective on Ethical Speech

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Muhammad’s Insult and Curse Against an Orphan: An Interfaith Perspective on Ethical Speech

Introduction

Religious texts and traditions play a pivotal role in shaping the moral and ethical outlook of their adherents. The teachings of both Islam and Christianity strongly emphasize compassion, kindness, and the sanctity of speech—particularly toward the vulnerable in society, such as orphans. However, historical and scriptural records sometimes reveal instances where even revered figures are portrayed in ways that challenge contemporary ethical expectations. One such instance is recorded in Islamic sources, where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have insulted and cursed an orphan child. This episode invites critical reflection not only on the figure of Muhammad but also on the ethical standards upheld by the world’s major religions.

The Incident as Reported in Islamic Tradition

The Sahih Muslim collection, regarded as one of the most authoritative compilations of Hadith in Sunni Islam, records an event in which the Prophet Muhammad insulted and cursed an orphan who was in the care of Umm Sulaim, the mother of Anas ibn Malik (Sahih Muslim, Book 32, Hadith 6297). The implications of this narration are significant, given the high esteem in which orphans are generally held within the Qur’anic and Prophetic traditions, and the explicit warnings against mistreating them (Qur’an 93:9–10).

The Universal Prohibition of Abusive Speech

Islamic Perspective

It is noteworthy that the ethical teachings of Islam strongly prohibit the use of abusive or insulting language. The Prophet Muhammad himself is reported to have stated:

“Indeed, a true believer is neither a slanderer, nor one who curses others, nor is he indecent or foul-mouthed.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Volume 1, Page 416, Hadith Number 3948)

This hadith underscores the foundational Islamic virtue of speaking kindly and refraining from verbal abuse, cursing, or slander. The Qur’an itself commands believers to “speak to people good words” (Qur’an 2:83), and repeatedly extols those who restrain their anger and forgive others (Qur’an 3:134).

Christian Perspective

Christian ethics similarly maintain a high standard for speech and interpersonal conduct. The Apostle Paul, addressing the church in Ephesus, instructs:

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.”
(Ephesians 4:31, NKJV)

This call is echoed throughout the New Testament, as followers of Christ are admonished to build others up through their words (Ephesians 4:29) and to imitate the humility and gentleness of Christ himself (Philippians 2:5).

The Consequences of Abusive Speech: Divine Judgment

Both traditions warn of divine judgment for those who persist in abusive language and conduct.

Islamic Warnings

Despite the troubling hadith in Sahih Muslim, the wider corpus of Islamic teachings presents a consistent warning against cursing and slander. The Prophet Muhammad is often depicted as embodying patience and mercy, especially toward children and orphans. Muslims are instructed to follow these ethical standards, with the understanding that God is both Just and Merciful, and that “whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it” (Qur’an 99:8).

Christian Teachings

The Apostle Paul is unequivocal in his warnings regarding the eternal consequences of unrepentant sin, including verbal abuse:

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers [abusive talkers], nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
(1 Corinthians 6:9–10, ESV)

This stern admonition underscores that verbal abuse—categorized here as “revilers” or those who insult—can disqualify a person from inheriting the Kingdom of God if not repented of.

Ethical and Interfaith Reflections

The incident recorded in Sahih Muslim raises important questions about the application of religious teachings and the moral accountability of religious leaders. Both Islamic and Christian traditions agree: insults, curses, and abusive language are antithetical to authentic faith. The episode serves as a reminder for all believers to scrutinize their own speech, attitudes, and actions—especially towards the marginalized and vulnerable, such as orphans.

In interfaith dialogue, these common ethical imperatives can serve as a foundation for mutual respect and moral accountability. As religious communities, we must uphold and promote the values of kindness, respect, and compassion in both word and deed.

Conclusion and Benediction

Let us be reminded that knowledge is to be shared with respect and humility. The teachings of the great faith traditions converge on the principle that our words have the power to bless or to harm, to build up or to destroy. May we all strive to embody the highest ideals of our faiths, treating every human being with dignity and love.

May God bless you all.

Dr. Max Shimba,
Servant of Jesus Christ, the Great God (cf. Titus 2:13)
For Max Shimba Ministries Org

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