Transliteration:( Laa yuhibbullaahul jahra bis sooo'i minal qawli illaa man zulim; wa kaanallaahu Samee'an 'Aleemaa )
“Allah does not like the uttering of evil words [430] except one who is being oppressed [431]. And Allah is Ever Hearing, Knowing [432].”
This part of the verse teaches that openly expressing evil or offensive speech is disliked by Allah.
Such speech includes:
Backbiting,
Slander,
Lying,
Cursing, or
Revealing private sins or hidden faults, whether one’s own or another’s.
These actions are considered sinful, even if the wrongdoing being discussed occurred in secret.
An exception is made for the oppressed:
A person who has suffered injustice is permitted to speak out against the wrongdoer.
This includes:
Complaining to a ruler or judge,
Reporting a thief, criminal, or traitor,
Revealing someone's immorality in contexts like Hadith authentication or legal testimony.
Such speech, even if negative, is not considered backbiting, because it serves a just and necessary purpose.
From this, we learn that speaking truth about a wrong for justice is allowed, but malicious or excessive speech remains impermissible.
Reason for Revelation:
This verse was revealed concerning Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA). A man was slandering him persistently, and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) remained silent.
Eventually, he responded verbally. At that point, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“While you were silent, an angel was replying on your behalf. But when you responded, the angel departed.”
The verse was then revealed to show:
While retaliating is permissible, especially for the oppressed,
Remaining silent and forgiving is spiritually superior.
Thus, there's no contradiction between the Hadith and this verse—both emphasize justice, but also encourage patience and mercy as the higher path.
148. Allah does not like that the evil should be uttered in public except by him who has been wronged. And Allah is Ever All-Hearer, All-Knower. 149. Whether you disclose a good deed or conceal it, or pardon an evil, verily, Allah is Ever Pardoning, All-Powerful.
`Ali bin Abi Talhah said that Ibn `Abbas commented on the Ayah,
(Allah does not like that the evil should be uttered in public) “Allah does not like that any one should invoke Him against anyone else, unless one was wronged. In this case, Allah allows one to invoke Him against whoever wronged him. Hence Allah’s statement,
(except by him who has been wronged.) Yet, it is better for one if he observes patience.” Al-Hasan Al-Basri commented, “One should not invoke Allah (for curses) against whoever wronged him. Rather, he should supplicate, `O Allah! Help me against him and take my right from him.”’ In another narration, Al-Hasan said, “Allah has allowed one to invoke Him against whoever wronged him without transgressing the limits.” `Abdul-Karim bin Malik Al-Jazari said about this Ayah; “When a man curses you, you could curse him in retaliation. But if he lies about you, you may not lie about him.
(And indeed whosoever takes revenge after he has suffered wrong, for such there is no way (of blame) against them. )” Abu Dawud recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,
(Whatever words are uttered by those who curse each other, then he who started it will carry the burden thereof, unless the one who was wronged transgresses the limit.) Allah said,
(Whether you disclose a good deed, or conceal it, or pardon an evil; verily, Allah is Ever Pardoning, All-Powerful.) Meaning when you, mankind, admit to a good favor done to you, or conceal it, and forgive those who wrong you, then this will bring you closer to Allah and increase your reward with Him. Among Allah’s attributes is that He forgives and pardons His servants, although He is able to punish them. Hence Allah’s statement,
(Verily, Allah is Ever Pardoning, All-Powerful.) It was reported that some of the angels who carry Allah’s Throne praise Him saying, “All praise is due to You for Your forbearing even though You have perfect knowledge (in all evil committed).” Some of them supplicate, “All praise is due to You for Your forgiving even though You have perfect ability (to punish).” An authentic Hadith states,
(No charity shall ever decrease wealth, and Allah will only increase the honor of a servant who pardons, and he who is humble for Allah’s sake, then Allah will elevate his grade.)
(4:148) Allah does not like speaking evil publicly unless one has been wronged. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.
There is no commentary by Abul Maududi available for this verse.
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