Religion is advice. What is meant by advice here? It is one of the acts to draw us all towards goodness and guide us towards truth.

Because of that, we are advised to always give advice to those around us, whether directly or indirectly.

Likewise, if you want to reprimand someone, reprimand them nicely and advise them with prudence.

However, is it okay to reprimand someone while inserting sarcasm? Is it considered a good practice because the original purpose is to show them the truth?

In this case, first we need to understand that advice should be given with gentle words and speech. Do not advise by including elements of sarcasm or harsh words that Allah hates.

Imam Shafi'e explained the manners of giving advice;

Meaning: "Give me advice when I am alone. Avoid giving me advice when I am in the middle of a crowd. Indeed, advice in the middle of people is an obscenity that I do not like to hear. If you disagree and reject my advice, then do not be angry." _{(Words of Imam Shafi'e and compiled by Muhammad Ibrahim Salim)}

And through the word of God, it is also mentioned about gentleness in reprimand, namely;

Speak to him gently, perhaps he may remember or fear [God].

Meaning: “Then speak to him in gentle words, perhaps he will be mindful or fear.” _{(Surah Taha, 20:44)}

Next, we need to understand that sarcasm and insults are one of the mazmumah (bad) qualities that can cause others to feel uncomfortable with the matter.

And not everyone can understand the meaning behind the sarcasm. It won't even leave an impression on anyone. Isn't that a futile act?

So, it can be concluded here that give the reprimand in the best way you can.

And reprimanding should not be done to the point of embarrassing someone, whether in the form of insults or done openly.

And for the writer, if sarcasm is misused, it cannot leave a good impression on someone, but rather the opposite.

It can leave emotional scars on the recipient. If hitting is the ultimate way to teach someone a lesson because it can have physical effects, so too is sarcasm.

Didn't His Majesty Muhammad SAW teach us to reprimand with wisdom, which is wisdom? So, you need to use the appropriate approach in reprimanding.

Meaning: “O you who believe! Let not a group (of men) mock and despise another group of men, (because) the one mocked is better than them; and let not a group of women mock and despise another group of women, (because) the one mocked is better than them; and let not some of you reveal the faults of others.” _{(Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:11)}

By Allah, the Almighty.

 

Credit : Fizah Lee - Tzkrh.com

Date of Input: 08/06/2026 | Updated: 08/06/2026 | asmunir