"The one who consumes Riba, the one who pays it, and the one who writes it down, if they know that it is Riba; the woman who does tattoos and the woman who has that done for the purpose of beautification; the one who withholds Sadaqah (Zakah); and the one who reverts to the life of a Bedouin after having emigrated- they will (all) be cursed upon the tongue of Muhammad [SAW] on the Day of Resurrection."
Hadith Text & Context
"The one who consumes Riba, the one who pays it, and the one who writes it down, if they know that it is Riba; the woman who does tattoos and the woman who has that done for the purpose of beautification; the one who withholds Sadaqah (Zakah); and the one who reverts to the life of a Bedouin after having emigrated- they will (all) be cursed upon the tongue of Muhammad [SAW] on the Day of Resurrection." (Sunan an-Nasa'i 5102)
The Gravity of the Curse
The Prophet's curse on the Day of Resurrection signifies complete expulsion from Allah's mercy. This is among the most severe warnings in Shari'ah, reserved for major sins that corrupt society and undermine faith.
The Sin of Riba (Usury)
All three participants in Riba transactions are cursed: the taker (consumer), giver (payer), and scribe who documents it knowingly. This comprehensive condemnation shows Riba's destructive nature to social and economic justice, as it replaces mutual cooperation with exploitation.
Tattooing & Beautification
The curse applies to both the tattoo artist and client seeking permanent body alteration for vanity. Scholars explain this violates the sanctity of Allah's creation and constitutes deception by artificially altering what Allah has fashioned.
Withholding Zakah
Intentionally refusing to pay obligatory Zakah when due constitutes stealing from the poor's rights. This disrupts social welfare and shows ingratitude for Allah's blessings, warranting severe punishment.
Abandoning Hijrah
Reverting to Bedouin life after emigration refers to abandoning Islamic community for isolation, prioritizing tribal customs over religious obligations. This represents regression in faith and rejection of religious commitment.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam an-Nawawi states these sins share the characteristic of opposing fundamental Islamic principles: economic justice (Riba), preservation of natural creation (tattoos), social responsibility (Zakah), and religious commitment (Hijrah). The collective warning emphasizes that sins affecting community welfare carry greater weight.