3. Do not call one another bad names

The third principle of living collectively with one another, is to not use bad names when speaking with one another. The Quran says:

وَ لَا تَنَابَزُوۡا بِالۡاَلۡقَابِ ؕ

Nor give evil nicknames. ^[1]

Sayyid NaꜤīm al-Dīn Murādābādī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه explains this verse by saying, “This refers to names someone does not like to be called (so do not use them when addressing such an individual). For example, calling someone lanky, short, fat, etc.”^[2]

Ruling on calling someone by a bad name

Regretfully, this evil practice can be seen happening far and wide. A person’s original name is good, then for some reason people begin referring to him with a bad one. One should address a person by their actual name and not make up offensive titles. Normally, the person being addressed in this manner is hurt and annoyed by it. Despite this, others use this bad name over and over, and find misplaced delight in using it. The Reviver of Islam and Imām of Ahl al-Sunnah, Imām Aḥmad Razā Khān رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه said:

Calling a Muslim any name which offends him without reason sanctioned by sharīʿah, is impermissible and haram even if the matter itself is true. The same applies to even a non-Muslim dhimmī.^[3]

Let’s say someone is indeed short. Despite this, nobody is allowed to use bad names when mentioning their height. This is haram and totally not allowed.