What is the ruling on boycotting a Muslim for worldly or personal matters that do not concern religion?
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The questioner : What is the ruling on boycotting a Muslim for the sake of worldly or personal matters, where the boycott does not relate to religion?
The Shaykh : Boycotting a Muslim for the sake of religious matters is permissible, provided that the boycott serves a benefit, such as leading to the reform and rectitude of the person being boycotted. However, if it does not lead to this benefit, but rather results in greater evil and the person’s continued transgression and tyranny, then he should not be boycotted. This is because a sinner, no matter how great his sin, is a believer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: except if there is a benefit in the boycott, such as deterring from sin, turning back to Allah, and repenting to Him, as happened with the three who were left behind when the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) ordered them to be boycotted. That only increased their rectitude. But if you boycott the people of sin in our time, they may only increase in tyranny, defiance, and hatred toward you and the truth you bring. Boycotting is a medicine; if it is beneficial, do it, and if it is not beneficial, do not do it, as long as the matter is between you and your Muslim brother.
As for boycotting over worldly matters, it is not permissible except for three days or less, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family):Sahih Muslim 2560a.
The questioner : May Allah reward you. This listener, J.M.A. from Giza, Egypt, says: O honorable Shaykh.
The Shaykh : Boycotting a Muslim for the sake of religious matters is permissible, provided that the boycott serves a benefit, such as leading to the reform and rectitude of the person being boycotted. However, if it does not lead to this benefit, but rather results in greater evil and the person’s continued transgression and tyranny, then he should not be boycotted. This is because a sinner, no matter how great his sin, is a believer. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
It is not permissible for anyone to boycott his believing brother for more than three days. They meet, and this one turns away and that one turns away, and the best of them is the one who starts with the greeting of peace.
لا يحل لأحد أن يهجر أخاه المؤمن فوق ثلاث يلتقيان فيُعرض هذا ويعرض هذا وخيرهما الذي يبدأ بالسلامAs for boycotting over worldly matters, it is not permissible except for three days or less, based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family):
It is not permissible for a Muslim to have estranged relations with his brother beyond three nights, the one turning one way and the other turning the other way when they meet; the better of the two is one who is the first to give a greeting.
لا يحل لمؤمن أن يهجر أخاه المؤمن فوق ثلاث يلتقيان فيُعرض هذا ويُعرض هذا وخيرهما الذي يبدأ بالسلامThe questioner : May Allah reward you. This listener, J.M.A. from Giza, Egypt, says: O honorable Shaykh.