The prohibition of cursing a person and its effects and consequences

Human beings, as God’s vicegerents on earth, possess an inherent dignity (karāma nafsīya), which constitutes a fundamental and universal value for every individual, both personally and socially. This dignity is emphasized in the Qur’an (Al-Hujurāt: 13) and in the narrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) (Sayyid Riḍā, 1414 AH, p. 366). Consequently, humans are prohibited from engaging in anything that insults or diminishes this inherent status and dignity.
One issue that has been addressed in Islamic jurisprudence and that undermines human dignity is cursing (sab). Cursing a believer, a Muslim, or even a human being in general manifests prominently in social life across various communities and can take multiple forms. With the expansion of cyberspace, social media networks, websites addressing political, economic, and social matters, as well as the prevalence of newspapers, magazines, and public or private television channels—especially in contexts such as electoral campaigns and political, economic, and social competition—the issue of cursing has gained particular significance.
Therefore, this research not only examines the juridical rulings (both obligatory and regulatory) on cursing but also investigates its social and ethical consequences. This focus on the outcomes and impacts of cursing distinguishes this study from previous research conducted on the topic.