Ask the Vizier - Criticizing Others
Today I put on the turban of the Grand Vizier. My Muslim readers may ask me any question that they are too embarrassed to ask their Imam or too afraid to ask for fear they may get killed.
Today's question comes from Sharmuta Faruz from Egypt who asks:
Q: Dear Grand Vizier, I m most smartest n our small village & I m always mocking my friends 4 ther stupid saying and doing. I am getting into many fight becoz they are most ignorant doing which makes me laugh and so I mock them most mightily. I cannot help it.
The lady infidel teacher n r village schole told me that I should be not criticize n e person until I have walked a mile in his shoes. My question is this: not 1 of my friends has shoes - should I wear their turban instead? And can I ride a donkey for 1 mile instead of walking? Also, can I do it at night, it is very hot during the day?
But then when I m 1 mile away, how will I mock them, for they are so far away they cannot hear me?
A: Dear Sharmuta, Peace and Blessings upon you, Praise be to Allaah.
Even if your friends had shoes and you walked a mile in them, still you should not mock. Mockery is against Islam. This is especially true if those you mock are Muslims who adhere to the Path of the Messenger (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) and of the True Believers (as-Salaf us-Salih).
Mocking such as these is as if you mocked Allaah, Islam, His Messenger (Sallahu alaihi wa salaam) and the Companions (RadiAllahu anhum) and is therefore haram and even apostasy.
Now as for the following advice, mention it not to the kuffer: An exception is made regarding the mocking of Crusaders and Jews, for although these are People of the Book and we pretend we respect their religion, they are disbelievers still and are worthy of mockery as it is incumbent upon every Muslim to fulfill his duty of al-Walaa' wal-Baraa' (loving the believers and hating the disbelievers).It is especially warming to the heart of the faithful to see Jews such as Sharon and Crusaders such as Bush depicted and mocked as silly monkeys.
But remember: when speaking with your infidel teacher, make sure to say that Islam is based on the Holy Books of the Jews and Christians and Muslims hold them in high regard.
And Allaah is the Guide to the Straight Path.
This has been question number 4 in my series Ask the Vizier (?):
DISCLAIMER
The Vizier answers issues pertaining to Shariah which comes down directly from Allâh. These questions and answers are placed in public view on Planck's Constant for educational purposes. Many of these answers are unique to a particular situation and cannot be taken as a basis for a ruling in another situation. Ask the Vizier (℠) bears no responsibility with regards to these questions being used out of their intended context or to any party who may or may not act on this answer. The Vizier is hereby exempted from loss or damage howsoever caused.
This answer may not be used as evidence in any Court of Law without prior written consent of the Vizier.
