Juz 26: Al-Aḥqāf to Adh-Dhāriyāt 30
Section 16 of 18 · Tafsir of the Qur’an · Mufti Abdul Rahman Mangera
16. Prohibition of Mockery and Backbiting
Immediately following the establishment of brotherhood, Surah Al-Hujurat addresses several destructive social behaviors that undermine community cohesion. These verses provide detailed guidance on interpersonal ethics that preserve dignity and respect among believers.
Verse 11 prohibits mockery in unequivocal terms:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِّن قَوْمٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُونُوا خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَلَا نِسَاءٌ مِّن نِّسَاءٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُنَّ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُنَّ ۖ وَلَا تَلْمِزُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَلَا تَنَابَزُوا بِالْأَلْقَابِ ۖ بِئْسَ الِاسْمُ الْفُسُوقُ بَعْدَ الْإِيمَانِ ۚ وَمَن لَّمْ يَتُبْ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ
“O you who believe, no men should ever scoff at other men. May be, the latter are better than the former. Nor should women scoff at other women. May be, the latter women are better than the former ones. And do not find fault with one another, nor call one another with bad nicknames. Bad is the name of sinfulness after embracing Faith. If anyone does not repent, then such people are the wrongdoers.”
This verse addresses multiple forms of social ridicule, beginning with mockery between people. The divine wisdom reminds us that outward appearances, social status, or material wealth are not measures of true value—those whom we mock may be superior in Allah's sight due to their piety and inner qualities. The prohibition applies equally to men and women, highlighting gender equality in matters of dignity and respect.
The verse also forbids lamz (finding fault) and giving offensive nicknames to others. Such behaviors are characterized as fusuq (sinfulness) that contradicts the ethical standards of faith. Those who engage in such behavior and do not repent are labeled as wrongdoers,