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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Greater Sins Volume 3 The Forty-third Greater Sin: Insulting a Believer The forty-third sin promised Divine Chastisement is insulting a believer, degrading him, defaming him, abusing or taunting him.

Insulting a believer in any manner is Harām whether it is in jest or by way of abuse or criticism, or in relation with his defects; or by scolding or reprimanding him or considering him lowly and debasing him, denouncing him, taunting him or hurting his feelings in any way.

A Believer is Deserving of Honour and Respect In the ayats and traditions recorded on the subject of a believer’s honour, Allah (S.w.T.) has made a special mention of utmost honour and respect that a believer deserves and which has to be accorded to him. His dishonour is equated with murder. Allah (S.w.T.) has given a high status to the believer by associating him with Himself as seen from the following ayats.

“Allah is the guardian of those who believe.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2: 257) “That is because Allah is the Protector of those who believe.” (Surah Muhammad 47: 11) “and helping the believers is ever incumbent on Us.” (Surah ar-Rūm 30: 47) Allah (S.w.T.) has exalted the honour of the believer by mentioning him with His honourable Prophet (S), “and to Allah belongs the might and to His Apostle and to the believers.” (Surah al-Munāfiqūn 63: 8) Allah (S.w.T.) has considered a believer the best of men, “(As for) those who believe and do good, surely they are the-best of men.” (Surah al-Bayyina 98: 7) The chief of the Messengers (S) is commanded to deal with them with respect, “And be kind to him who follows you of the believers.” (Surah Ash-Shūrā 26: 215) Allah (S.w.T.) has also commanded the Prophet (S), “And when those who believe in Our communications come to you, say: Peace be on you” (Surah al-An’ām 6: 54) Allah (S.w.T.) has made His mercy incumbent for the believers, “Your Lord has ordained mercy on Himself,” (Surah al-An’ām 6: 54) Allah (S.w.T.) has mentioned Himself to be the buyer of the life and property of believers, “Surely Allah has bought of the believers their persons and their property.” (Surah at-Tawba 9: 111) Allah (S.w.T.) has called a believer His friend, “He shall love them and they shall love Him.” (Surah al-Mā’ida 5: 54) “and those who believe are stronger in love for Allah.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2: 165) Since Allah (S.w.T.) associates Himself with a believer, anyone who insults a believer has shown disrespect to Allah (S.w.T.).