Not Rejoicing Over
Another’s Suffering

The Prophet of Islam said: “Do not rejoice over the suffering of your brother. It is possible that God may have mercy on him and put you in trouble.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2506)

This tradition deters people from committing such moral evils as this may result in their destruction. We must feel empathy for those who experience suffering and challenges.

One should, if he can, help him or at least pray for him. On the contrary, rejoicing in the suffering of others is akin to debasing oneself. Without a doubt, that is the worst form of moral perversion.

Exulting over others’ suffering is extremely displeasing to God. God is so enraged at such an inhuman response that He relieves the suffering of that person and makes that misfortune fall on the one who exulted at others’ suffering. This is, without doubt, the worst form of anyone’s misfortune.