What is the ruling on saying "curses" when angry, without naming the one cursed?
There are religious texts that warn against cursing and condemn those who curse, and they explain that it contradicts the perfection of faith. A believer is not a slanderer, nor a curser, nor obscene, nor foul-mouthed. Cursing is considered a major sin. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, stopped Aisha from cursing the Jews despite their deserving it.
The mere word "curses" (يَلعن) without completion is not an explicit curse, as the ruling does not take effect until the statement is complete, similar to someone who intended divorce but did not complete its utterance.
However, uttering "curses" (يَلعن) is not among the good or virtuous words that Islam commanded. It borders on prohibition and falls into obscenity, and it may lead its utterer to complete the curse multiple times, thereby causing him to fall into the general category of those who curse and will not be intercessors or witnesses on the Day of Resurrection. Also, there is fear that his tongue might become accustomed to evil.
So, whoever utters the word "curses" (يَلعن) and does not complete it, may be safe from the sin of explicit cursing, but he is not safe from developing a bad habit. And whoever hovers around the forbidden area is likely to fall into it.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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