Arabic Text
English Translation
— Abu Sa‘īd (RA) (Ibn Mājah & Daraqutni (ḥasan li-ghayrihi))
Commentary
A foundational legal maxim — the entire fiqh chapter on damages is built on it.
Extended Explanation
‘Lā ḍarara wa lā ḍirār’ — five words that became the foundation of an entire jurisprudence of damages, easements, neighbour disputes, environmental law, and torts. The two terms differ: ḍarar is causing harm initially; ḍirār is causing harm in retaliation or excessive return.
Ibn Rajab and the muḥaqqiqīn extract the maxim: ‘ad-ḍararu yuzāl’ (harm is to be removed) and its branches: harm is not removed by greater harm, the lesser of two harms is chosen, public harm overrides private harm, and necessity makes the prohibited permissible (within limits).
From the Scholars
"This hadith is one of the greatest foundations of fiqh — entire chapters of legal rulings rest on it."
"‘No causing harm’ — even if no one notices. ‘No reciprocating harm’ — even if you were wronged first. The believer breaks the cycle."
Fiqh & Rulings
- •A man cannot use his property in a way that harms his neighbour (e.g., building so as to block all light, dumping waste).
- •If two harms conflict, the lesser is chosen.
- •Public benefit overrides private benefit when they clash.
- •Self-defence is permitted but proportionate — disproportionate revenge falls under ḍirār.
Qur'ān Cross-References
Key Arabic Vocabulary
harm (causing it initially)
reciprocating / mutual harm
Today's Reflection
Where in your life are you causing harm — even unintentionally?
Key Benefits
- 1Islam blocks harm both ways: doing it and answering it with more.
- 2Many disputes are resolved by this single principle.
Common Mistakes & Warnings
- ⚠‘No reciprocating harm’ does not forbid legitimate qiṣāṣ (court-administered retribution) — it forbids personal vendetta and excess.
- ⚠Modern application: pollution, noise, blocking views, social media doxxing — all fall under ḍarar.
Related Hadiths
Memorization Progress