Expressing pleasure at others' misfortune

Q 3: If a Muslim commits the same evil deed many times, can we taunt him for these mistakes? For example, if someone steals or lies several times, will it be permissible to reproach and taunt them? Will those who reproach and taunt them be considered sinners? What is your advice to such people?

A: A Muslim should advise their fellow Muslims, guide them to the right path and warn them against immoral deeds. Moreover, a Muslim should call them gently and leniently so that Allah might open their hearts to accept the Truth. A Muslim should not insult fellow Muslims or mention their mistakes. It was narrated by Mak-hul on the authority of Wathilah ibn Al-Asqa` that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, Do not express pleasure at the misfortune of a (Muslim) brother lest Allah should bestow mercy upon him and make you suffer from a misfortune. Al-Tirmidhy ranked it as Hadith Hasan Gharib (a good Hadith that is strange to come from this chain of narration) in Al-Jami` Al-Sahih, Hadith no. 2506. (Part No. 26; Page No. 27)  Al-Baghawy stated this Hadith in Sharh Al-Sunnah, vol. 13, p. 141. It was graded as Hadith Hasan (good Hadith) by Al-Hafizh Ibn Hajar and is supported by another Hadith related by Khalid ibn Ma`dan: Whoever mocks his brother for committing a sin will not die unless he commits this sin. Al-`Ajluny said in his book, "Kashf Al-Khafa'", vol. 2, p. 365, that this Hadith is related by Al-Tirmidhy, Ibn Mani`, Al-Tabarany, and others on the authority of Mu`adh as a Hadith Marfu` (a Hadith narrated from the Prophet with a connected or disconnected chain of narration). Al-Tirmidhy ranked it as Hadith Hasan Gharib, saying its chain of narration is not continuous. Ibn Mani` said it means whoever reproaches someone for a sin of which they repented. Al-Bayhaqy related on the authority of Yahya ibn Jabir: "Anyone who reproaches another for committing a sin, Allah will afflict him with the same sin." It was reported in the Two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim) on the authority of `Aqil from Ibn Shihab that Salim told him that `Abdullah ibn `Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, A Muslim is a brother of (another) Muslim, he neither wrongs him nor does he hand him over to one who does him wrong. If anyone fulfills his brother's needs, Allah will fulfill his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection; and if anyone covers up a Muslim (i.e. his sins), Allah will cover his sins on the Day of Resurrection. This is the wording related by Al-Bukhari, vol. 3, p. 98.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.