Flagellation is the act of fighting with things like whips, eyelashes, rods, chains, knives, etc., voluntarily, especially in a religious context.
In early times, among certain Catholic sects, self-flagellation was apparently imposed as punishment and as a means of penance for disobedient clergy. It was a widespread practice during Holy Week in Mediterranean countries to commemorate the whipping of Jesus Christ before the crucifixion. It was also promoted as a way to identify with Christ’s suffering. Pope John Paul II regularly whipped himself as a sign of « remorse for his sins » and to draw closer to Christ.
But Catholics are not alone in practicing self-flagellation. Many Muslims, particularly in South Asia, also practice Matam during Muharram. In this, they whip themselves until they bleed.
Self-flagellation and self-mutilation are not permitted in Islam.
Self-harm, a form of self-mutilation, is the worst way to express and manage deep distress and emotional pain. It can involve fighting, putting oneself in risky situations, or neglecting one’s own physical or emotional needs. In Islam, it is not permissible to harm oneself or engage in self-destruction by any means. Allah says in the Quran: [1]
And spend in the cause of Allah. And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands. And do good. Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.
It is also forbidden to expose oneself to the risk of illness or injury in any way, or to commit suicide in extreme situations. Allah says: [2]
And don’t kill yourselves.
In Islam, there is no place for acts of self-flagellation such as beating the chest, striking the cheeks, striking the shoulders with chains, and cutting the skin with blades. These acts are barbaric innovations and acts of ignorance.
Self-flagellation is also forbidden in the hadiths.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also detested and forbade such evils. Any act of self-mutilation (or anything similar) to mark the death of a leader or the loss of a martyr, regardless of their status, is forbidden. Such actions have no basis in Islam. Abdullah reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [3]
He who slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes and follows the ways and traditions of the Days of Ignorance is not one of us.
As Muslims, we are obligated to take charge of our lives because we are responsible for our actions and decisions, both for ourselves and for others who will be affected. We are not permitted to harm ourselves. Instead, we are taught dignity, self-respect, and righteousness. Abu Juhaifa reported that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: [4]
Your Lord has a right over you and your soul has a right over you; therefore you must give the rights of all those who have a right over you.
No one can be blamed for feeling pain and shedding tears in grief and distress. What is forbidden is for many people to turn to self-harm as an expression of sorrow.
Assessment
Islam aims to create balance in our lives. Islam has given us the necessary guidance to manage and overcome stressful situations. It is deeply regrettable that, despite Allah’s clear directives in the Quran, many Muslims practice self-flagellation and self-mutilation. During Muharram, particularly on the day of Ashura, some Muslims whip themselves. They even go so far as to strike themselves with swords and chains.
Why? To commemorate the martyrdom of Haz Hussain (RA). As is clear from the references above, self-flagellation is not an acceptable way to express grief.
Finally, in the Quran, Allah has declared four months sacred, and the month of Muharram is one of them: [5]
The number of months with Allah is twelve [months], in the register of Allah, from the day He created the heavens and the earth. Four of them are sacred: that is the correct religion. [During these months], do not wrong yourselves.
What should we do during these holy months? Obviously, we must not harm ourselves. We must avoid forbidden acts like self-flagellation and focus on piety and justice as much as we can.
References
The Quran 02:195 (Surah al-Baqarah)
The Quran 04:29 (Surah an-Nisa)
Sahih Bukhari Vol 02, Book 23, Hadith 382
Sahih Bukhari Vol 03, Book 31, Hadith 189
The Quran 09:36 (Surah at-Tawbah)