101 — The Virtue of Supplicating for the Believers and Refraining from Maligning Them

We have already discussed the importance of supplicating for the Muslims to receive forgiveness, mercy, divine guidance to what is right, and the like, as well as the tremendous benefits, noble rewards, and continual blessings that this brings in this world and the Hereafter. There is no doubt that the prevalence of such conduct among Muslims demonstrates the strength of their solidarity, the firmness of their bond, and the closeness of their connection. It also demonstrates mature reason, purity of heart, and sound understanding.

A Muslim blessed with success always loves good for his Muslim brothers. He is compassionate and merciful toward them, hopes for their righteousness, success, and guidance, wishes for good to be realized for them, and frequently supplicates to Allah and beseeches Him on their behalf. Whoever is like this is well deserving of being among those who bear witness for people and intercede for them on the Day of Resurrection. It is authentically reported that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said: “Those who habitually malign and curse others will be neither intercessors nor witnesses on the Day of Resurrection.” This was narrated by Muslim, Ahmad, and Abū Dāwūd1.

Explaining the meaning of this hadith, Ibn al-Qayyim—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “Testimony belongs to the category of reporting, while intercession belongs to the category of requesting. A person who frequently maligns others—which amounts to testifying against them that they are evil—and frequently curses them—which amounts to asking for evil to befall them—will be neither a witness concerning them nor an intercessor for them. This is because testimony rests upon truthfulness, which cannot be found in someone who habitually maligns them, particularly when the one he maligns is