Islamic Ethics:
Does Islamic Belief Allow for Pleasure in the Suffering of Others? No.
No Joy in Others’ Woe: Islam Discourages Schadenfreude
Let’s have an Islamic Perspective on the Psychology of Finding Joy in Others’ Misfortune!
Natural calamities:
Natural calamities, regardless of their origin, are indiscriminate forces. They strike without prejudice, impacting the lives of the poor and the wealthy, the virtuous and the wicked, the devout and the agnostic alike. Their impact serves as a stark reminder of our vulnerability and the humbling power of nature.
Qur’an View of Natural Calamities:
“No disaster occurs except by God’s leave. Whoever believes in God, He guides his heart. God is Aware of everything.” [64-11]
God Almighty says, “And how many Signs in the heavens and the earth do they pass by? Yet they turn (their faces) away from them!” [Quran 12:105]
These disasters and calamities are signs from God, and there are countless signs that people pass by, ignoring them, without thinking or understanding their meaning or what they reveal about God’s power and human weakness. Even the greatest powers cannot withstand these signs. To restore things to their previous state, they lose billions of dollars and many years. In a few moments of an earthquake, or days of a flood or storm, human arrogance and pride are shattered. Perhaps they will remember their Creator and turn to Him, but they often return to negligence.
Human Nature:
The human heart, alas, is prone to a most insidious temptation: the insidious joy we derive from the downfall of others. When fortune frowns upon a rival, a foe, or even a mere acquaintance, a perverse satisfaction can creep into our souls. We may whisper of their comeuppance, savour their distress, or even, in the darkest corners of our being, feel a fleeting thrill at their suffering.
Yet, such gloating is a most ignoble pursuit, a stain upon the very fabric of our humanity. For who are we to judge, to mete out punishment, to revel in the misfortunes of others? The Almighty, in His infinite wisdom and justice, is the sole arbiter of human destiny. He observes all, perceives all, and in His own time, will render unto each according to their deeds.
To rejoice in the suffering of others is not only a moral failing, but a dangerous one. It poisons the wellspring of compassion within us, hardening our hearts and rendering us incapable of empathy. It blinds us to the fragility of our own existence, the precariousness of our own fortunes. For who knows when the wheel of fortune may turn, and our own laughter be stilled by the sting of adversity?
Let us therefore cultivate a spirit of humility and compassion. Let us extend a hand of support to those who stumble, offer solace to those in sorrow, and strive to see the good in all, even in our enemies. For in doing so, we not only honour the divine justice, but also enrich our own souls and cultivate a truly virtuous character.
A Muslim’s Reaction:
‘Do not openly rejoice at the misfortune of your brother, for Allah may forgive him and afflict you.’
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Do not rejoice over the misfortune of your brother, lest Allah have mercy upon him and afflict you with trials.” Sunan al-Tirmidhī
The Prophet [peace be upon him], used to seek refuge in Allah from it, and he would say: “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from an evil decree, from reaching a state of misery, and from the gloating of enemies.” Narrated by Bukhari.
This profound saying highlights the moral implications of such behaviour. When we revel in the suffering of others, we not only harm our relationship with God but also risk inviting misfortune into our own lives. By cultivating empathy and compassion, we can create a more harmonious and just society. The Prophet’s words serve as a timeless reminder that true happiness lies in the well-being of others, and that gloating over their misfortunes is a sign of spiritual immaturity.
Islam, as a faith of compassion and justice, unequivocally condemns gloating over the misfortunes of others or deriving pleasure from their suffering.
From a psychological perspective, taking pleasure in the suffering of others fosters a hardened heart, devoid of the compassion and mercy central to Islamic spirituality. Conversely, empathising with others, even those who may have wronged us, purifies the soul and strengthens societal bonds.
In Islam, gloating over others’ misfortunes is unequivocally prohibited, as it conflicts with the values of empathy, humility, and justice. Both the Qur’an and Sunnah encourage believers to reflect on their own vulnerabilities and to respond to others’ suffering with mercy and support, rather than malice or joy. By embodying these principles, Muslims contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world, aligning themselves with the divine attributes of mercy and compassion.
Thank you,
Ahmad Suhaib Nadvi
Global Islamic Horizon
Al-Emam Al-Nadwi Education & Awakening Center