A Message of Compassion in a Harsh World
In a time when harshness and judgment were the norm in Jahiliya, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came with a profound message: kindness can change hearts. His mercy extended to the sinner and the righteous, the young and the old, the believer and the non-believer. Even when people stumbled repeatedly, he offered a helping hand instead of condemnation!
The Prophet ﷺ taught that no one should hastily judge or curse others, even those who make repeated mistakes. His actions were a constant reminder: we are not allies of the devil, but servants of mercy.
The Man Who Made the Messenger of Allah Smile
Among the Sahaba there was a man named An-Nu’ayman ibn Amr رضي الله عنه. Known for his playful sense of humour. An-Nu’ayman رضي الله عنه also participated in great battles like Badr and Uhud.
Despite his struggles, Nu’ayman رضي الله عنه was known for his light-heartedness, often making the Prophet ﷺ smile. Al-Zubayr ibn Bakkar said:
“Nu’ayman would not see anything amusing or unique in the market except that he would buy it and bring it to the Prophet ﷺ, saying, ‘Here, I have gifted this to you.’ Then when the seller came asking for payment, Nu’ayman رضي الله عنه would bring him to the Prophet ﷺ and say, ‘Pay this man for his goods.’ The Prophet ﷺ would smile and ask, ‘Did you not gift it to me?’ Nu’ayman would reply, ‘By Allah, I had no money, but I wanted you to have it.’ The Prophet ﷺ would laugh and then ensure the seller was paid.”
Yet, he struggled with a weakness: drinking alcohol. At times, the punishment for this sin was carried out on him repeatedly.
One day, after An-Nu’ayman رضي الله عنه had been brought forward for punishment for drinking alcohol (flogging), one of the Sahaba, Umayr رضي الله عنه lost patience and cursed him: “May Allah curse him! How often is he brought for this offense?” The Prophet ﷺ immediately corrected him, saying:
“Do not curse him, for I know that he loves Allah and His Messenger.”
The message was clear: even when people stumble, their faith may still be strong in their hearts. The Prophet’s refusal to curse a man who sinned repeatedly showed his deep understanding of human nature. Mistakes do not define a person’s worth.
When a Curse Comes Back
The Prophet ﷺ taught that cursing others can have consequences. He warned:
“When a servant curses someone, the curse ascends to the heavens but the doors are shut. Then it descends to the earth, but the doors are shut. It goes left and right until it finds no place to rest. Finally, it returns to the one who uttered it—if the cursed one does not deserve it.”
Hasty words, like curses, harm the speaker more than the recipient. The Prophet ﷺ called for patience and mercy instead.
“Do Not Help the Devil Against Your Brother”
On another occasion, a man was brought before the Prophet ﷺ for drinking. The Sahaba carried out the punishment, and someone angrily exclaimed, “What is wrong with him? May Allah disgrace him!” The Prophet’s ﷺ response silenced the crowd:
Instead of cursing, the Prophet ﷺ taught his followers to pray for the sinner: “O Allah, forgive him. O Allah, have mercy on him.”
Cursing a sinner aligns with the devil’s goal- to disgrace and push them further into despair. By showing mercy and offering prayers, we give hope and a path back to righteousness.
No Place for Cursing in a Believer’s Heart
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ often reminded his companions:
“A believer (Mo’men) is not one who curses, or insults, or speaks foul and obscene words.”
Harshness and judgment drive people away, while mercy and understanding draw them closer to the truth. Even when faced with the gravest offenses, the Prophet’s response was rooted in love and guidance, not rejection.
The Prophet’s Purpose: A Mercy to the Worlds
The Prophet ﷺ summarized his mission with these timeless words:
“I was not sent as a curser, but I was sent as a mercy.”
The world today, like in the past, often lacks mercy. People judge harshly, speak angrily, and forget that everyone struggles. The Prophet’s life reminds us that our role is not to condemn but to uplift.
What Can We Learn?
- Pray, Don’t Curse: When someone falls into sin, pray for their guidance and forgiveness.
- Recognize Faith: A person’s mistakes do not erase their love for Allah and His Messenger. It’s the love of Allah that makes people like Al-Khabbab ibn Al-Aratt
- Be Merciful: Follow the Prophet’s ﷺ example of showing understanding instead of judgment.
- Speak Wisely: When someone falters, be the one to lift them up. As the Prophet ﷺ showed, we are not here to curse—we are here to heal.
He will enter Paradise laughing!
An-Nu’ayman’s joy and his ability to make the Prophet ﷺ smile were infamous that the Prophet honoured him even in his weaknesses. When some of the Sahaba disapproved An-Nu’ayman’s sense of humor, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“Indeed, he will enter Paradise laughing.”