Insulting Those Who Have Passed Away

Whoever mocks his brother for a sin he committed will not die until he commits the same sin.

Volume 3: Chapter 48: Number 2505

At-Tirmidzi. (2008). Sunan Al-Tirmithi. Translated by Haytham Kreidly.

Imagine after you pass away, people start talking about all your mistakes, counting your sins, bringing up the bad things you did. Speaking ill of someone who is still alive is already considered backbiting, which is a major sin. How much worse is it, then, to speak ill of those who have passed away and cannot defend themselves?

Let Them Rest, Allah Has Already Judged Them Rasulullah (ﷺ) said: “Do not insult those who have died, for they have already received the consequences of what they did.”

Those who have died are already in the realm of barzakh (the grave) and are receiving the initial consequences of their actions, whether blessings or punishment. Allah will surely hold them accountable for both the good and evil they did. Their time in this world is over; now they face Allah alone, and they can no longer change their destiny. There's no need for us to interfere by judging or speaking ill of them.

Mock the Dead? You're Hurting Their Family Rasulullah (ﷺ) said: “Do not insult those who have died, you will hurt those who are still living.”

Those who have passed away may not hear our insults directly. However, those insults can hurt the feelings of their family and relatives who are still alive, such as the spouse left behind, children, or even their parents. They will be hurt when they hear the faults of their loved ones being brought up, feel sad to hear their beloved being insulted, and even feel ashamed by the criticisms thrown at them.