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The Many Dangers of the Tonguecompiled by Imraan Hussein Contents Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter One Speaking about Allah without knowledge 1. Lying upon Allah and/or His Messenger (peace be upon him) Various ways in which lying upon Allah and His Messenger are manifested (a) Describing Allah without proof from the Quran and the authentic Sunnah (b) Explaining Ayat of the Quran or the Hadeeth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) with meanings other than their apparent ones. (c) Making Haraam Halaal (d) Making Halaal Haraam (e) Using fabricated and unauthentic Hadeeth 2. Making Legal decisions in Allah's Deen without knowledge 3. Ruling by other than what Allah has revealed 4. Bid'ah (innovations) Chapter Two Committing Shirk by the tongue Shirk committed by the tongue - Supplicating to other than Allah - Kufr Ni'mah - Visiting Fortune tellers, obeah men - Swearing by other besides Allah - Denying a Name or description of Allah or changing its apparent meaning - Blaspheming Allah, the Quran, Allah's Messenger, etc. - Those who deny Qadr - It is prohibited to sit in the company of those who give wrong interpretation about the Quran or Islam Chapter Three Affecting a Muslim with the tongue - Backbiting - Slander and False accusation - Witnessing Falsehood or Bearing False Witness - Accusing/Slandering pious women - Lying - Tale Carrying (Scandal) - How to treat Tale-carriers - It is prohibited to deceive a Muslim who is seeking sincere advise - The prohibition of proposing to a woman who is already engaged - Indulging in defaming a Muslim - The two-faced person - Mockery, Sarcasm and debasing Muslims - Disclosing and spreading secrets - It is prohibited to remind others of one's generosity Chapter Four Some seemingly harmless uses of the tongue that have disastrous consequences - Begging - Praising people - Singing - Jesting and Joking - Disputes and Arguments Chapter Five General Evils of the tongue - Speaking about that which there is no need with which to concern oneself - Excessive speech - Engaging in vain talk - A shameless, vulgar, indecent tongue - Gossip - It is prohibited for a woman to describe another woman to her husband - The prohibition to use the word 'if' in relation to Qadr (predestination) - It is prohibited for a person to say such and such is for Jannah or Jahanam - The prohibition of defaming one's kin - The prohibition of boasting - The prohibition to speak while the Khateeb is giving Khutbah on the Day of Jumu'ah - Prohibition to employ Respectable titles for hypocrites and Innovate Blasphemy, insult, ridicule and abuse It is prohibited to blaspheme: (a) Allah, His Messenger (peace be upon him) His Book, His Deen (b) The Sahabas (c) Muslims (d) The dead (e) What the unbelievers worship (f) The wind (g) The rooster (h) Time (i) Fever Conclusion Bibliography Acknowledgments All Praise are due to Allah. First and foremost I thank Allah, the Generous, for having finally made this humble effort a reality. We praise Him because if it were not for His Graciousness, it would never materialize, as He Himself, reminds us in a Qudsi Hadeeth: "...Know if the Nation (all mankind) were to gather together to benefit you with something, it would only benefit you with something that Allah had already prescribed for you..." [At-Tirmidhi] Also, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever does not show gratitude to mankind is not grateful to Allah " [Abu Dawood, Ahmad & others] I, therefore, express my deepest gratitude to all those who contributed directly or indirectly to bringing this publication to this final format, because I would never have been able, by myself, to achieve this. There are some people who deserve special mention because of their tremendous sacrifice and help in seeing this job through and they are: Brother 'Imran Ferouz Raghubar for completely reviewing and verifying the authenticity of its content. Brothers: Bilaal Nantambu, Azam Mohamed, Shaheed Ahamad, Haseeb Yusuf and Nasir Jabar for proof reading it and making many valuable suggestions. Brother Fatal Bacchus for always being willing to assist. And, most importantly, Brother Haseeb Khan and his staff for their selflessness in affording me the total use of their computers, and to Brother Haseeb Khan specifically for his invaluable suggestions for layout and other technicalities relative to typesetting, and for his design of the cover. May Allah, the Most High bless all of us, and may He cause the efforts of all involved to be purely for Him, and may He store its reward for us with Himself. Ameen. INTRODUCTION All praises are for Allah, the Most High, and salutations are for His Messenger (peace be upon him) and his household, and all those who follow them with goodness until the Last Day. Success is the aim of everyone. Invariably, every man and woman in his or her own way hopes to achieve success. For most of mankind however, success is viewed in terms of worldly achievements and thus, from their materialistic pursuits, people essentially aspire to attain peace, contentment, happiness, and ease in this life. However, in the practical realms, most materialists have their dreams shattered, since the price for material pursuits include fatigue, down-fall, restlessness, heart ache, sorrow, insecurity, and all forms of negative results. Despite these negative consequences nonetheless, most people continue to remain so caught up in the sway of materialism that they pay little or no importance to the purification of their souls. This is mainly due to the motto of the materialist's world: "The end justifies the means." In fact, when one looks at the religious people (attempting to purify their souls), they seem so confused themselves, that they leave the materialists contented with their material pursuits. On the contrary, the true believer remains the only one who is certain of what he is about. This is due to the fact that his conviction and certainty spring from the Guidance of Allah, the Glorious. Therefore he starts from the soundest base, one in which he has no doubt. He therefore, tuns to the All-Knowing, Allah, to tell him what is success, because he is aware that Allah created him, and He, the Almighty, would best know in what his success lies. Therefore, he listens carefully to what Allah says, believes in it, analyses it, implements it, and is absolutely sure that it would give him success, because Allah is above lying and deception, as He, the All-Knowing, is perfect. Listen to what Allah, the Most High, tells us is success: "And by the soul, and Him who perfected (it in proportion). Then He showed it what is wrong for it and what is correct. Indeed he is successful who purifies it (the soul). And indeed he fails who corrupts it". [Ash-Shams 91: 7 - 10]. In the above aayah, Allah, the Most High, is telling us in no uncertain terms, that success lies only in purifying the soul. This is further emphasized in the following aayah, He, the Glorious said: "We who purifies himself (his soul) will succeed" [ Al - A'alaa 87:14] Now since our Lord, Who knows everything, is telling us this is what success is, it becomes incumbent upon us to understand this very clearly, and thereafter, strive our utmost so that we would not misdirect our efforts chasing after failure thinking it is success, as Allah, the Most High, warns: "Say, shall we not tell you (who are) the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in the life of this world while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds. [ Al-Kahf 18:103- 104 ] Thus, in the end, if we do not clearly understand what is success we will be very disappointed, because, in the Hereafter, we would then come to know that our efforts resulted in failure rather than in success. In the following aayah, Allah combines a description of success and the illusory nature of this world. He, the Most High, also informs us that we will be tested in ourselves, our wealth, and our Deen, and warns us that the best thing is to be patient and conscious of Himself. He, the Sublime said: "Every soul shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed from the Hell fire and is admitted to [Aali 'Imraan 3:185 - 186]. Many salient points can be drawn from these two aayaat but what is most important to us is that, Allah, the Most High, describes success as being able to enter Jannah, and to be saved from the Fire of Jahannam. This can only be achieved if one, while living in this world, possesses the qualities of patience and taqwah (i.e. complete consciousness in all affairs which propels one to obey Allah's commands and avoid His prohibitions). This also implies that to be saved from Jahannam and to enter Jannah, one has to purify his soul. One of the main factors that negate the success after which believers are seeking, even though they may clearly understand it, and seriously intend to pursue it, is the misuse of their tongue. The Messenger (peace be upon him) asked us: "Do you know who the bankrupt person is?" We said: "A bankrupt person among us is one without money and provision. " He (peace be upon him) said: "The bankrupt in my ummah (an Muslims) is he who comes on the Day of Judgment with Salaah, Fasting and Zakaat, but he also comes having blasphemed this (person), slandered and vilified this (person), ate the wealth of this (one), spilling the blood of this (one), hitting this (one), so (on the Day of Judgment) his good deeds will be given to this one, and this (other one) will be given from his good, and if his good deeds are consumed before everyone have taken their rights from him, their evil deeds would be taken and put upon him (the bankrupt) and then he will be thrown into the fire (of Hell). [Muslim]. He (peace be upon him) also said: "The servant speaks words, the consequences of which he does not realize, and for which he is sent down into the depths of the Fire further than the distance between the east and the west." [Bukhari and Muslim]. He (peace be upon him) also said: "Whoever can guarantee what is between his jaws (his tongue) and what is between his legs (his Private part), I will guarantee him paradise. [Al-Bukhari] And he (peace be upon him) also said.: "Whoever believes in Allah and the last Day, let him speak good or remain silent. [Bukhari and Muslim]. It is narrated on the authority of Mu'aadh Ibn Jabal (May Allah pleased with him), that he asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): "O messenger of Allah, tell me an act which will take me to He (peace be upon him) said: "You have asked me about a major matter, yet it is easy for whom Allah makes it easy. You should worship Allah, associating nothing in worship with Him, establish salaah, pay Zakaat, and fast Ramadaan, and make pilgrimage to the Ka 'bah (Hajj). Then he (peace be upon him) said: "Shall I not show you the gates of goodness? Fasting (which) is a shield; charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire, and the praying of a man in the depths of the night. Then he (peace be upon him) recited: 'Their sides forsake their beds to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend (charity in Allah's cause) out of what We have bestowed ....' [32:16]. Then he (peace be upon him) said: "Shall I not tell you of the peak of the matter, its pillar and topmost part? I said: 'Yes, O Messenger of Allah', He (peace be upon him) said: "The peak of the matter is Islam; the pillar is prayer, and the topmost part is Jihaad. Then He (peace be upon him) said: "Shall not tell you of what controls all that? I said: 'Yes. O Messenger of Allah : and he took hold of his tongue and said "Restrain this. " I said 'O Prophet of Allah. will what we say be held against us?' He (peace be upon him) said "May your mother be bereaved for you. O Mu'aadh! Is there anything that topples people on their faces - or he said on their noses - into the Hell fire, other than the harvests of their tongues. " [At-Tirmidhi] Looking at the Aa-Hadeeth of the Messenger (peace be upon him) we find that one of the main causes to throw people in the Fire of Hell, is the evil reapings of the tongue, because with this one part of the body (i.e. the tongue) a person can indulge in more sin than with any other part. With it they can destroy all their other good deeds. So, if we can restrain the tongue, we will succeed, (Inshaa Allah). May Allah, the Almighty, help us to understand the importance of restraining our tongue, and thereafter assist us to implement it. Ameen. It is because of the many dangers of the tongue that we have decided to make a detailed study of the major evils in which it can be involved, so that we can assist ourselves, our brothers and sisters, to earn Allah's I have, in this work, tried my best to only use authentic AaHadeeth. Any mistakes found herein is from me and Shaitaan. May Allah forgive me and may He, the Most High make this effort one that is done sincerely for Him and may He accept it. Chapter One Speaking about Allah without Knowledge Speaking about Allah, the Most High, without knowledge, is the foremost aspect of shirk, which incurs the most severe punishment from Allah. For this reason, this is not allowed under any circumstances. This is clearly communicated by Allah in Surah A'araaf, which highlights the severity of this sin, by comparing it with other major sins. He, the Mighty said: "Say: The things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are, Al-Fawaahish (every kind of illegal sexual intercourse) whether committed openly or secretly He, the Most High then moved on to describe a more severe "sin, unjust oppression" Then to that sin which is even more severe: "joining partners (in worship) with Allah (shirk), for which He gave no authority" And then He, the All-Knowing punctuated it with that sin which most severe: "and saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge. " [Al-A'araaf 7: 331 In the Tafseer of this Aayah, the scholars of Islam have said that: "If speaking about Islam (Allah, the Most High) is not the greatest crime, then Allah certainly intended to emphasize it that way. Zinaa (fornication and adultery), the first mentioned (sin in the Aayah) is an act of one committing a sin on his/her own soul. Secondly: (Allah mentions) oppression, a sin committed against others. This is definitely a greater evil. Then He, the Most High mentions shirk (i.e. joining partners in worship with Allah), obviously a greater evil than the first two, and finally, speaking without knowledge in Islam; Every sin that followed was always greater than the previous one. Thus, if it (speaking about Allah without knowledge) is not the greatest of sins, as it was mentioned last, it was certainly intended (by Allah) to be understood that way." It should be seriously noted that this very grave sin is only because of Satan's encouragement of the ignorant and sometimes arrogant seekers of name and fame. Allah, the Most High said: "Verily, it is indeed Satan that makes you do evil and say things about Allah (or His deen) of which you have no proper knowledge." [Al-Baqarah 2:169] Therefore, based upon the above aayah, we find that this is the most serious prohibition with Allah Himself. The following categories of sins are incorporated in "Speaking of Allah without knowledge": a) Lying upon Allah, the Almighty. b) Attributing to Allah, the Most High, what is not suitable for Him c) Bid'ah (innovation) or modifying and altering Allah's Deen d) Negating what He, the Most High, has affirmed e) Affirming what He, the Most High, negated f) Hostility to those who champion His cause g) Supporting His enemies h) Loving those whom He hates and hating those He loves i) Describing Him with what does not befit Him in His Essence, His Attributes, His Statements or His Actions. Therefore, because of the amount of sins included in this category, there can be no greater prohibition. It is from this sin that Shirk (associating partners with Allah) and all forms of Kufr (disbelief) originate. All forms of Bid'ah (innovations) are also founded upon "speaking about Allah without knowledge." Some aspects of "Speaking about Allah without knowledge" are explained in details below: 1. Lying upon Allah and/or His Messenger (peace be upon him) Allah informs us that it is not allowed to follow anything without knowledge, He, the Most High, said: "And follow not, (O man i.e. do not say, act or witness) that of which you have no knowledge. Verily! The hearing, and the sight and the heart for each of those will you be questioned " [Al-Israa And He, the Mighty also warns us not to speak about Him without knowledge: "Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him)): indeed the things that my Lord has forbidden are: (and from them is) saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge". [Al - A' araaf In the above aayah, Allah, the Most High, is telling us that He has forbidden Muslims to speak about Him without knowledge, and lying upon Allah, the Most High, is one way of doing this. The one who lies about Allah, the Most High, is not only guilty of speaking about Him without knowledge, but also he is amongst the most oppressive of people as Allah Himself describes: "And who is more oppressive than he who lies against Allah, or who denies His signs ....." [Al - A' araaf Besides that, He, the Wise, also describes the punishment, on the Day of Judgment, for anyone who involves themselves in this dangerous practice, thus: "And you will see on the day of judgment, those who lie upon Allah, their faces blackened." [Al- Zumr: 60] Ibn Al-Jawzee, in his Tafseer said: "Many scholars of Islam are of the opinion, that lying upon Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) is disbelief, and that it takes one out of Islam (i.e. it makes him a disbeliever). Lying upon the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is similarly serious, since indirectly it is lying upon Allah. The Messenger (peace be upon him), emphasizing the severity of lying upon himself (peace be upon him), said: "Whoever knowingly upon me, then let him occupy his seat in the Fire". [Bukhari, Muslim & others] Many Muslims would tell you that stealing, bribery, killing, adultery etc. are all prohibited (Haraam) acts. However, when it come to lying upon Allah, the Most High, and/or His Messenger (peace be upon him), they are not even aware that such a sin exist, and so they would indulge in it freely without worry. This complacency among Muslims regarding this sin comes about because of the great ignorance that prevails concerning (i) The rights of Allah and His Messenger and (ii) the serious punishment that results from indulging in sin. This complacent attitude, coupled with ignorance, have been the main factors for the majority of the deviances and differences found in Islam. Various ways in which lying upon Allah, the Most High and His Messenger (peace be upon him) are manifested. (a) Describing Allah without proof from the Quran or authentic sunnah. For example, describing Allah as being everywhere is a serious misconception of which many Muslims are guilty. The Quraan and authentic sunnah are both replete with proofs which show that Allah, the Most High, is above and beyond His creation, and not a part of it, as the statement that 'He, is everywhere' necessitates. The following Hadeeth clearly indicate this. Ma'aaiyah Ibn Al- Hakim said: 'I had a servant girl who used to tend to my sheep in the area of [Muslim Vol. 1 Pg. 271-2 #1094] It must be noted that one of the duties of the Messenger (peace be upon him) was to correct any mistakes anyone committed in this religion (Deen). His (peace be upon him) silence after asking her, "Where is Allah", and she replied "Above the sky", is an indication that her answer is correct. His (peace be upon him) affirming that she is a believer, at the end of the Hadeeth, is the direct proof that her answers were correct, otherwise He (peace be upon him) would be lying, and we seek refuge with Allah for even thinking that lying is possible from the Messenger (peace be upon him). What should be noted, is the fact that the first question he (peace be upon him) asked her was: Where is Allah? and not if she believed in Him, the Most High. Since the question was: 'Where is Allah?' great importance and attention must be given to the fact that, since he (peace be upon him) accepted that Allah is above the skies as the correct answer, that this is direct proof that this is the correct view on the question. Additionally, it establishes the importance of the issue in Islam, contrary to the belief and attitude of many Muslims, even so-called Shaiks, who claim that the issue is either trivial or too advanced. After all, this was the first question the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked of a slave girl to determine if she was a Muslim or not! (b) Explaining the Aayaat of the Quran, or the Hadeeth of die Prophet (peace be upon him) with meanings other than their apparent ones, is also another way of lying upon Allah. Allah, the Most High said: "O Iblees (Satan)! What prevent you from prostrating yourself to one I have created with My Two Hands... " [Saad 38:75] In the above Aayah, Allah, the Most High, is saying that He created Aadam with His Two Hands. Yet some Muslims try to explain "Allah's two Hands" to mean His power Who knows Allah better, Himself or these people? As Muslims, we have to believe in Allah as He describes Himself or as His Messenger (peace be upon him) described Him. Therefore, if He, the Mighty, says he has Two Hands, we must believe that. However, we must also believe, that they are not hands like our: He, the Sublime said: "There is nothing like Him; and He is the Hearer; the Seer of all." [Shooraa 42:11] (c) Making Haraam things Halaal This is another form of lying upon Allah. An example of this is telling Muslims to get out of the Masjid. Since some of our brothers pray according to the way demonstrated by the Prophet (peace be upon him), (i.e. according to the sunnah), some administrators order them out of the Masjid just because of that. These arrogant leaders should remember, that amongst the greatest of oppressors, are those who prevent a Muslim from praying in the Masjid of Allah. This is because they are making Haraam the most halaal of deeds, purely out of their unlawful dictatorship. Allah, the Glorious said: "And who is more unjust than those who forbid that Allah's Name should be remembered in His Mosques, and strive after its destruction..." [Al-Baqarah 2: 114] (d) Making Halaal things Haraam This is also another way in which Muslims lie upon Allah, the Glorious. An example of this, is that Allah permits a Muslim man to marry and have up to four wives, at any given time. However, if anyone attaches conditions, and throws doubt on this, he/she is in fact making something which is Halaal, Haraam. This is done by Muslims saying that a man can only marry once, and if the circumstances of necessity presents itself, then the law of polygyny (i.e. a man marrying more than one wife) becomes applicable. Allah, the All-Knowing said: "...then many (other) women of your choice, two or three or four, but if you shall not be able to deal justly (with them) then many only one, (or the captives) that your right hands possess... " [An-Nisaa 4:3] In the above Aayah, Allah, the Wise has legislated that a man should marry 2, 3 or 4 wives, but if he was afraid of treating them unjustly, that is, he would not be able to upkeep a balanced scale of equal treatment, then the alternative is to marry only one. This, and only this, is the condition set down by the Shareeah. Anyone trying to say that there are other conditions, is inventing his own law. Those who propagate that the first wife must be barren or sick, or that she has to approve of the second marriage, etc., have no evidence at all to support their false claims. Even worst, are those who have adopted the orientalists' opinion, that polygyny is a lustful act. Thus, anyone whose wife is otherwise perfect, but he still takes a second wife, is, in the orientalists' view doing this only out of evil lust and desires. This category is worst, because their statement is blasphemy against the Quraan, since Allah, the Wise, promotes and encourages therein, that a man can be married to more than one woman at any given time. It is also blasphemy to the Prophet (peace be upon him), his companions, and the scholars of Islam, as they practiced it during their lifetime. However, even if it was done purely for lust or desire, it would still be according to the sunnah, since the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) informs us, that when someone satisfies his sexual cravings or lust in a Halaal way, he will be blessed for it. He (peace be upon him) states: "...and even when one of you cohabits (engage in sexual intercourse), he is rewarded for it.'' We (the companions said: "O Messenger of Allah! Would one of us earn blessings and rewards for satisfying his (sexual) lusts and desires? He (peace be upon him) said: "Yes, don't you see that if he was to satisfy it in the Haraam way (by adultery and fornication) that he would be sinned? Similarly, when he satisfies it in the Halaal way, he is rewarded." (e) Using fabricated and unauthentic Aa-hadeeth of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is another way of lying on Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him). The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever knowingly lie upon me, then let him occupy his seat in the Fire (of Hell)". [Bukhari, Muslim & others] The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) also said: "Whoever relates a Hadeeth about me, knowingly it to be un-authentic, is himself a liar. " [Ibn Maiah] 2. Another aspect of speaking about Allah without knowledge is: Making legal decisions (giving fatwas) in Allah's religion without knowledge. Allah, the Most High said: "Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him): Indeed the things that my Lord has forbidden are: (and from them is) saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge". [Al - A' araaf The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed Allah, the All-Mighty will not take away knowledge by snatching it away from the people but by taking the lives of the knowledgeable people, until when not one scholar remains. The people will then take ignorant people as their leaders, who they will ask to give judgments (in Allah's religion). This they will do without knowledge. This will result in their going astray, and leading others astray." [Bukhari and Muslim]. How many Muslims are not in this sad state today? Furthermore, how many rulings and legal decisions are given without knowledge? May Allah save us from this dangerous situation in which we find ourselves. It is strange that when it comes to secular knowledge, we are so respectful. How many of us would dare speak of medicine in front of a doctor, or dentistry in front of a dentist? Yet we speak about Allah's laws, and make rulings in His religion ignorantly. Are we not aware that He hears us? - What! Have we no sense? What should scare people who involve in this great sin is the following statement of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): "Among the people who will receive the most severe punishment on the Day of judgment is a person who killed a prophet, or who was killed by a prophet, or a person who because of his ignorance, misguides people and lead them astray..." [Ahmad and At-Tabaranee] What is even more severe and should discourage them even more is the fact that they will carry the burden of everyone who is misguided because of them. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "...whoever introduces a bad way which others follow, he will have its burden and the burden of every one who acts upon it..." [Sahih At-tagheeb wat Tarheeb- Al Mudhiree] 3. Another aspect of speaking about Allah without knowledge is: Ruling by other than what was revealed by Allah. Allah said: "And whoever rules by other than by what Allah revealed, those are disbelievers". [Al-Maaida 5:44) Allah, the Sublime, further states in the Quraan: "…by your Lord (Allah), they can have no faith until they make you (Muhammad (peace be upon him) the judge in all their dispute amongst themselves, and thereafter find no resistance against your decisions, but accept with full submission." [An-Nisaa 4:65] Allah, the Most High says: "The only saying of the faithful believers, when they are called to Allah and His Messenger to judge between them, is that they say "We hear and we obey" - and such ate the successful. " [An Noor 24:51] Ruling by other than what Allah, the Almighty has revealed is indeed one of the most severe types of disbelief to which the tongue can fall prey. So, we should be very careful about this. Be aware that ruling by other than Allah's law is not only for the people who are in governmental positions, although it is easiest for them to fall prey to this, but each person is liable, based upon his responsibility, as is explained in the following hadeeth: "Each one of you is a guardian, and each person is answerable for his flock (those under his charge); so the Imaam is guardian and he is answerable for his flock (his people), the man is guardian of his family and he is answerable for his flock (his family), and the woman is guardian in the house of her husband and she is answerable for her flock (in his house) ..., and each one of you is a guardian and ( responsible for his flock). " [Bukhari and Muslim] Since most decisions and rulings are generally communicated through speaking, then making Haraam rulings would constitute misuse of the tongue. So know, that making Halaal what Allah has made Haraam and making Haraam what Allah has made Halaal, or accepting the ruling and following someone who is involved in it, is a type of kufr (disbelief). This is clearly understood from the following Hadeeth: 'Adi Ibn Haatim came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and heard him (peace be upon him) recite the following aayah: "They took their rabbis and monks as Lord besides Allah" So he said: "Messenger of Allah! They never used to worship them. He (peace be upon him) said: "Verily, they have made Haraam (unlawful) what was halaal (lawful), and they made halaal (lawful) what was haraam (prohibited) and (the people) followed them - so that was their (the people) worship of them (the rabbis and monks). [At-Tirmidhee] This Hadeeth is also applicable to the so-called Islamic countries, as well as every constitution, or rules and regulations, set up by Organizations and Mastoids, etc., which legislate laws that are not in accordance with those that Allah has revealed. 4. Another aspect of speaking about Allah without knowledge is: Bida's (innovations) Bid'ah is changing any aspect of worship in Allah's Deen by either adding to it, subtracting from it or altering it in way. It is for this reason that the noble scholars of this Deen expended so much time to warn this Ummah about the great fitnah (trial) of innovation. This is because the dangers of Bid`ah, and its destructive effects upon this Deen, are much greater than that of the other major sins, as is explained from the following Aayaat and Aa-Hadeeth of the Messenger of Allah:- Allah, the Most High said: "Say (O Muhammad (peace be upon him) to the people) if you love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and He will forgive your sins". [Aali-'Imraan The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Who ever innovates in this matter of ours (Al-Islam), that which is not from it , will have it rejected". [Bukhari & Muslim] And He (peace be upon him) said: "…And hold fast to my sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs, and beware of newly invented matters (bid'ah); for every newly invented matter is misguidance which leads to the fire." [Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi & others] So, based upon the above Aa-Hadeeth, Muslims must be aware of all matters that are not established from the Sharee'ah. The following saying of the Messenger (peace be upon him) is even more frightening. He (peace be upon him) said: "Allah does not accept the repentance of anyone involved in Bid'ah, until he leaves it off completely. " [Authentic from At-Tabaraanee] Brothers and sisters, let us not close off the doors of Repentance with our own hands, by indulging in and/or propogating Bid'ah. However, we must know that, even worse for the practitioner of Bid'ah, is what the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah refuses to accept the deeds of the practitioner of Bid'ah (innovations in the deen) until he leaves his innovation (bid'ah)." [Ibn Majah & Ibn Abi 'Aasim] Bid'ah is one of the most dangerous sins that send whoever practices it into the fire (of Hell). Such action from a Muslim is most loved by Shaitaan. This is because the Muslim involved in Bid'ah feels that he is doing something good, but, in effect, it causes Allah's wrath to descend upon him. A few examples of Innovation (Bid'ah) of the tongue are as follows: a) Bid'ah in Belief The statement that Allah, the Most High, is everywhere, as was discussed before. (Refer to page 12) b) Bid'ah in Zikr Doing zikr in congregation behind one person, which is a common practise of the Sufis. The following narration beautifully clarifies the evil of such a practise. Amr Ibn Salmah said: We used to sit at the door of 'Abdullaah ibn Mas'oud before the morning prayer, so that when he came our, we would walk with him to the mosque. One day Abu Moosaa al-Ash'aree came to us and said: "Has Abu 'Abdur Rahmaan (Ibn Mas`oud) come out yet?" We replied: "No" So he sat down with us until he came out. When he came out we all stood along with him, so Abu Moosaa said to him: "O Aba `Abdir Rahmaan! I have just seen something in the mosque which I deemed to be evil, but all Praise is for Allah, I did not see anything except good." He (Ibn Mas'oud) inquired: "Then what is it?" (Abu Moosaa) replied: " If you live you will see it. I saw in the mosque people sitting in circles awaiting the prayer. In each circle they had pebbles in their hands and a man would say: repeat Allahu Akbar a hundred times. Then So they would repeat it a hundred. Then he would say: Say Laa illaha illallaah a hundred times. So they would say it a hundred times. Then he would say: Say Subhaanallaah a hundred times. So they would say it a hundred times. (Ibn Mas'oud) asked: "What did you say to to them?" (Abu Moosaa) said: "I did not say anything to them. Instead I waited to hear your view or what you declared." (Ibn Mas`oud) replied: "Would that you had ordered them to count up the evil deeds they acquired and assured them that their good deeds would not be lost!" Then we went along with him (Ibn Mas`oud) until he came to one of these circles and stood and said: "What is this that I see you doing?" They replied: "O Aba `Abdur Rahmaan! These are pebbles upon which we are counting, takbeer, tahleel and tasbeeh." He (Ibn Mas'oud) said: "Count up your evil deeds! I assure you that none of your good deeds will be lost. Woe to you, O Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him)! How quickly you go to destruction! These are the companions of the prophet (peace be upon him) who are widespread. These are his clothes that have not yet decayed and his bowl which is unbroken. By Him in Whose Hand is my soul! Either you are upon a religion better guided than the religion of Muhammad (peace be upon him) or you are opening the door of misguidance." They said: "O Aba `Abdir Rahmman! By Allah, we only intended good." He (Ibn Mas`oud) said: "How many are there who intend good but do not achieve it. Indeed Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said to us: "A people will recite the Quran but it will not pass beyond their throats. "Then he left them. 'Umar ibn Salamah (the sub-narrator) said: "We saw most of these people fighting against us on the day of Nahrawaan, along with the Khawaarij. [Ad-Darimee Vol. 1#79] It should be observed from the above incident involving Ibn Mas'oud and the people who were making their congregational (Soofie like) Zikr, that they were: (i) In the right place (i.e. the Masjid), (ii) Saying the right and prescribed zikr -Tasbeeh, Takbeer, etc (iii) Doing it at the right time, that is before, or according to some narrations, after the Salaah. However, it was only one difference that caused Ibn Mas'oud to reject and rebuke what they were doing -HOW they did it, that is, in congregation. This emphasizes the importance of following the Sunnah with precision in every possible way. The following example further highlight the importance of doing any act of worship, especially zikr or du'aa exactly and precisely as was demonstrated by the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Both Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated the Hadeeth that the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught Al-Baraa ibn`Aazib a du'aa to use before sleeping, part of which was: "...Aa-man-tu bi ki-taa-bi-kal la-zhee an-zalt, wa bi na-biy-yi-kal la-zhee ar-salt..". However, when Al-Baraa repeated it to the Prophet (peace be upon him) he said: ",..wa bi ra-soo-li-kal la-zhee arsalt..." The Prophet (peace be upon him) immediately corrected him saying: "No! bi na-biy-yikal la-zhee ar-salt" This shows the importance of adhering to the sunnah, and not even changing a single word, which in essence has the same meaning as the substituted word (i.e. Nabee means prophet and Rasool means Messenger and both are titles given to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) by Allah, the Most High). c) Bid'ah of Du'aa in congregation. A widespread practise amongst Muslims is making Du`aa in congregation after the Fardh (compulsory) Salaah. This practice, in fact, does not have any proof from the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) or the companions who led Salaah all their lives but never once made a congregational du'aa after the Salaah. Of the many innovations of the tongue, these few examples will suffice. The majority of Muslims are deeply involved in many innovations. However, we must realize that Allah can only be worshipped with what He, the Most High legislated, and that it must be performed as precisely as possible as was explained or shown to us by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and as it was understood by the pious predecessors (the companions). Therefore, before doing anything in this Deen, a Muslim must esquire about the proof for that action from Quraan and authentic Sunnah, or whether it was something practiced by our pious predecessors from among the companions, the Taabi'een and the Tabi Tabi'een If there is no precedent from them, then It is compulsory for us to leave it. May Allah guide us an to practise Islam in its pristine purity. Ameen. Chapter Two Committing Shirk Through the Tongue Shirk refers to assigning a partner or partners with Allah in whatever form it may take, and it is the opposite of worshipping Allah alone. This act of associating partners with Allah is (one of) the most dangerous sins in which a Muslin can be involved. In fact, if someone dies in such a state, then he/she will not be forgive Allah protect us from all types of shirk. Ameen. About shirk Allah, the Most High said: "Indeed Allah does not forgive shirk (that you associate any partners with Him), but He forgives other than that to whom He pleases." [An Nisaa 4:48] He, the Sublime said: "Indeed shirk is the greatest oppression." [Luqman: 13] Allah, the Most High also said: "...Indeed he who associates partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Jannah ( [Al-Maaida 5:72] In addition to that, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Shall I not inform you about the greatest of sins?" We said: "Surely, O Messenger of Allah". He (peace be upon him) said: "Associating partners (shirk) with Allah….." [Bukhari and Muslim] Proofs indicating the dangers of shirk (associating partners with Allah) from the Quran and authentic Sunnah are numerous, but the above reference would suffice. Shirk is a very extensive subject about which most Muslims are ignorant. However, a sin that Allah does not forgive definitely needs serious attention, because Satan would work assiduously to get us to concern ourselves with smaller issues, thinking that we are saved, but causes us to practice Shirk. Listen to what Allah, Most High, said: "Say, Shall we not tell you (who are) the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds. Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds. [Al-Kahf 18: 103- 104] Allah, the Sublime said: "And if you commit shirk (associating partners with Allah) all of your works would be in vain (destroyed) and you wilt definitely be among those who are the losers". [Al-Zumar 39:65] It is reasonable to conclude that unless we, as Muslims, know clearly what is Shirk, then we are likely to become ready victims of it. And if we are in shirk (may Allah save us from this plight), then, based upon the above statements of Allah, about which there is no doubt, ail of our works would be destroyed and we would be from among the losers, although we may think we are not doing anything wrong. Brother and sisters, let us make more sincere effort to know our Deen, and not just assume that, because Allah is All-forgiving, that we would get His forgiveness. We must remember also, that He is swift in punishment. Forgiveness has to be earned, and it is not given to someone just because he carries a Muslim name, or says he is Muslim. It is earned by striving. Allah, the Almighty, said: "...and strive all-together for the forgiveness from your Lord... " [Aali 'Imraah 3:133] The grave sin, Shirk, like acts of worship, can be done with either the heart, the tongue, or the limbs. However, we will only deal with those aspects of shirk which are committed by the tongue herein. SHIRK COMMFITED BY THE TONGUE Supplicating to Other Than Allah. He, the Glorious said: "Supplicate to Me and I will answer you" [Ghaafir:60] The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Du'aa (supplication) is worship itself". [Abu Dawood] Since Du'aa is the essence and main element of worship, as it is the seeking of help from a supernatural source, it must be directed to the Creator and Sustainer, Allah Himself. It is precisely for this reason that, Allah, the Sublime, warns: "And supplicate not to any other than Allah, that which can neither profit nor harm you, but if you do so, then certainly you will be from among the transgressors." [Yunus 10:106] Yet, we would find Muslims going to graves of seemingly pious people, supplicating to them to fulfill their needs. It is also commonplace for some Muslims to make Du'aa through the name of the Prophet (peace be upon him), as well as other righteous people. However, all supplications must be directed towards Allah, Alone. To do otherwise constitutes shirk, -pure and simple. Kufr Ni'mah: Disbelief Manifesting Itself in Ungratefulness for Allah's Blessings or Favors. Allah, the Sublime said: "They recognize the bounty (blessings) of Allah, yet they deny it and most of them are disbelievers". [An-Nahl 16:83] Instead of praising Allah for the bounties He, the Sublime bestows upon us, we deny them and sometimes feel it is by our own hands that we have achieved whatever Allah has blessed us with. The correct attitude would be to acknowledge, that all that we have is only from Allah, the Almighty. This should help us to feel less independent, and make us more grateful to Allah, the Sublime. This, in turn, will cause us to receive more of Allah's blessing (Inshaa Allah), He, the Glorious said: 'And if you are thankful, I will increase (My blessings) to you." [Ibraheem 14:7] Visiting Fortunetellers; or Obeah Men; or Psychics; etc. The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever goes to a fortuneteller and asks him anything, Allah will not accept his Prayers for 40 days. " [Muslim] This is the punishment for going to him and seeking his help. However, if a Muslim believes in what the fortuneteller says, the harm is even greater. The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever goes to a fortuneteller and believes in what he says, has disbelieved in what was brought by Muhammad (i.e. Islam)." [Ahmad] This Hadeeth clearly declares, that to believe anything from the fortuneteller/obeah man, is disbelief. These experts at deception have deceived many people, and extracted from them much wealth. Yet, many Muslims frequent them. May Allah assist and guide us from such practitioners of evil. Swearing By Other Than Allah Ibn 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both, said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Allah prohibits you from swearing by your fathers, so whoever swears, let him swear by Allah or shut up. [Bukhari & Muslim] It is stated in another Hadeeth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) that: "Whoever swears by other than Allah has committed shirk" [Ahmad, Tirmidhee & Al-Haakim] Swearing is allowed in Islam, but a person can only swear by Allah. If he swears by anything else, then this is an aspect of Shirk. To swear by the moon or the star or any of Allah's creation, is Haraam. Allah can swear by whatever He wants to, but we can only swear by Him. The common practice among many Muslims to swear by the Quran is a Bid'ah (innovation), and should be discouraged. What is even more heinous, is to swear by Allah while knowing fully well that one is lying. Denying a Name or Description of Allah or Changing its Apparent Meaning This occurs when someone denies any Name or Attribute of Allah that He affirmed for Himself, or that His Messenger (peace be upon him) affirmed for Him, the Most High. For example, to deny or cast doubt on the fact that Allah has Two Hands, or that He hears, or that He is above the heavens, are aspects of Shirk which fall within this category. To seek to explain the Hands of Allah as His Mercy, Strength, Power, etc., falls into the above category also. This type of explaining of Allah's Attributes is also prohibited in Islam. It must be noted that the belief of Ahlus-Sunnah wal Jamaa'ah regarding Allah's Names and Attributes is: "That Muslims must believe in all of Allah's Names and all of His Attributes that are found in the Quraan and the authentic Sunnah. They must accept them exactly and literally as they are." The above demands the following: (a) Not seeking to explain any of them by similitude (i.e. by saying for example that Allah's Hands are just like the hands of mankind). (b) Not seeking to explain "How it is" (i.e. by seeking to explain, for example, how Allah is established above His Throne). (c) Not declaring it to be figurative language and not literal (i.e. by saying, for example, that the meaning of 'the Hand of Allah is with the Jamaa'ah' means 'His Mercy or Blessings and not literally Hand'. Or to say that Allah does not have Hands or a Face because these are human or animalistic characteristics, and thus the "Hands" and "Face" is figurative and not literal. To Blaspheme Allah, His Quraan or His Messenger (peace be upon him) Another aspect of disbelief is to blaspheme Allah, His Messenger (peace be upon him), the Quraan, the sunnah of the Messenger, the Deen of Islam, Muslims, the angels, etc. Ibn Taimiyah said: "If the one who blasphemes is a Muslim, he has disbelieved, and therefore, should be killed (by the Khaleefah). This is a consensus among the four Imaams." Allah, the Almighty said: "Verily, those who annoy Allah and his messenger (by, abusing or telling lie against Allah and his messenger), Allah has cursed them in this world, and in the hereafter, and has prepared for them a humiliating torment " [Al-Aahzaab 33:57] Deniers of Qadr The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Every ummah has its majoose (fire worshipper) and the majoose of my ummah are those who say: "There is no Qadr (Predestination)' if they become sick! do not visit them and if they die do not witness them (i.e. to attend their funerals)". [Ahmad] It Is Prohibited To Sit in the Company of Those Who Give Deviant or Wrong Interpretations About the Quraan or Islam. This evil is so great that Allah, the Wise, even prohibits Muslims to allow themselves to overhear the conversations of those who involve in the wrong interpretations about the Quraan or Islam. Allah, the Great, said: "And when you see those who engage in false conversation about Our Verses by mocking at them, stay away from them till they turn to another topic. And if Satan causes you to forget, then after you have remembered, sit not in the company of the evil-doers." [Al-A'araaf 7:68] And He, the Most High said: "And stay away from those who take their religion as play or amusement and are deceived by the Life of this world.. " [Al-A'araaf 7:70] Allah, the Glorious said: "And We have already revealed in this Quraan, that whenever you hear the verses of Allah denied and mocked at, then sit not in such a company until they change the subject of discussion. (If you sit in such company), then, verily you are just like them. Surely Allah will gather all the disbelievers and hypocrites in Hell" [An-Nisaa 4: 140] In his Tafseer, Imaam Al-Qurtubi has noted that the scholars of Islam have declared it totally forbidden for anyone to remain in any such company (i.e. the company of sinners), whilst they are committing these sins, or the people of bid`ah, or of anyone who distorts the teachings of Islam. [Al-Qurtubi Vol. 5 Pg. 268] Chapter Three Afflicting a Muslim with the Tongue The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The whole of the Muslim is sacred, his blood, his property and his honor. " [Muslim] And in his farewell Khutbah, he (peace be upon him) said: "..Indeed your blood, your wealth and your honor are all Haraam (sacred) to each other, just as this day is sacred (the Day of 'Eed ul-Adhaa), in this sacred month (Zil Hajj) in this sacred place (the place of Hajj). [Al-Baihaqee] Backbiting Allah, the Most High said: "Do not backbite one another, would any one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother, verily you detest this...." [Al-Hujuraat 43:12] The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Backbiting is mentioning something about your brother that he dislikes. " [Maalik & Ibn Mubaraak] And in another narration, he (peace be upon him) said: "Backbiting is to mention about a person something about him in his absence". [Abu Dawood] The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Do you know what is gheebah (Backbiting)? They said "Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him) know best." He (peace be upon him) said: "Mentioning about your brother what he would hate (in his absence)'. It was said: 'What about if what I say about my brother is true?' He (peace be upon him) said: "If what you said about him is true then you would have backbited him, and if it is not true, then he is slandered (buhtaan). [Muslim] Based on the above Aa-Hadeeth backbiting can be defined as: "Mentioning about a person in his absence something he would hate even if it is a characteristic he possesses." Backbiting is haraam and the person who involves in it must repent. When is talking about your brother not considered to be backbiting: Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyaan, came to the Messenger (peace be upon him) and said: "Abu Sufyaan is a miserly man and he does not give me enough for me and my child except if I take from him and he does not know. " The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Take what is commonly known as enough for you and your child". [Bukhari & Muslim] It is clear from the above Hadeeth, that, in certain specific cases, a Muslim is permitted to talk about someone behind his or her back. For example: a) If a man is oppressed, he can go to the ruler or judge or someone who has the ability to stop the oppression, and make a petition, as Hind did. b) Also, when seeking an Islamic ruling, it is allowed to mention a person's bad quality, as is established in the hadeeth of Hind above, as when Hind asked: "Abu Sufyaan is a miserly man and he does not give me enough for me and my child except if I take from him and he does not know". c) Seeking help to change a wrong by taking one's right. If someone cannot change it himself, then he can go to someone who is in a position to change it. Thus, he will have to backbite his oppressor to inform the person who can give him authority. The hadeeth of Hind above exemplifies this. In the case of "commanding good and forbidding evil", a person is allowed to mention the known innovation or sin of another person, in order to warn others about it. However, if one declares the actions of people that are done in secret, this is considered to be backbiting. One is also permitted to inquire about a person who has a specific callname, like the deaf man, or blind man. However, if his correct name is known, then it would not be allowed to use other false names. In the same vein, one is allowed to forewarn and caution his brother or sister, about someone who is a sinner or innovator, in order for them to be free from their influence. Allah, the Most High said: "Help one another in righteousness and piety; but do not assist one another in sin or transgression" [Al-Maaidah 5:2] Some factors that cause backbiting and their cures: 1. Subsiding anger. This is done by backbiting the person who kindles his anger -so everytime this person makes him angry, he subsides it by backbiting the person. Through this (the backbiting), he feels he is getting even with the other person. The cure for this is the advice of the Messenger (peace be upon him) "Whoever suppresses his anger while in a position to enforce it, Allah will call him at the head of the creation until he chooses for him from the hoor'een (special women of Jannah that are promised to the believer), for him to marry from them as he pleases. [Ahmad and At-Tabaraanee] 2. Wanting to keep Mends. In order to maintain friends with others, a person indulges in backbiting because he is afraid of losing their friendship. Thus he does not reprimand them when they backbite, but indulge in it with them. To cure this he must remember the saying of the Messenger (peace be upon him) "Whoever solicit the pleasure of men by displeasing Allah, Allah will consign him to mankind. [At-Tirmidhi] 3. Wanting to raise one's status with other people. This is done by debasing others, by saying things like such and such a person, is ignorant or his understanding is weak, thus indirectly implying that he is more knowledgeable than the one he debases. In order to cure this sickness, the perpetrator must be reminded that Allah is the final judge and this person that he is claiming is ignorant, might be better than him with Allah. Furthermore, that person may be excused because of his lack of understanding. 4. Playing around and making fun of others. This could involve mockery and sarcasm. It is enough to remind those indulging in this practice of what Allah, the Most High said: "O you who believe! Let not a group scoff at another group, it may be that the latter is better than the former..." [Al-Hujuraat 49:11] At other times, it could involve lies, as mention is made of some people in a way to make others laugh. It is enough to answer with the statement of the Messenger (peace be upon him): "Woe to the one who speaks and lies to make people laugh, woe to him, woe to him" [Ahamad, Abu Dawood & others] 5. Envy. Through envy, a person is backbited because of his noble position and high standing, in order to debase and reduce his worth in people's eyes. The envier should reflect upon the statement of the Messenger (peace be upon him): "Faith and envy cannot exist together in the heart of the slave". [Ahmad 8: 436] 6. Fear of Blame. Something is attributed to a person who wants to free himself from it, by blaming another person totally, although they both had shared in the act. He does this so that he can free himself from being blamed. The correct thing to do is to acquit himself honestly, and not try to throw the blame upon anyone else. 7. Having too much spare time. This can cause a person to fall into backbiting, because it is easy for such an idle mind to become busy with men, their honor and their faults. To correct this a person must spend his time in acts of obedience to Allah, worship, seeking knowledge, and teaching others. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Two blessings are misused by people, good health and spare time to do good." [Bukhari] 8. Trying to get close to a person in authority to acquire material gains. In order to get close to those in authority and to gain their favors, someone may backbite his workmates with his boss. To cure this, he must realize the true value of this world with Allah, the Glorious, and that He is the Provider, and that He would allow him to get only what he deserves. And no boss can give him anything if Allah, the Sublime does not will such for him. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "...know that if the nation (all mankind) were to gather together to benefit you with something, it would only benefit you with something that Allah had already prescribed for you..." [At-Tirmidhi] Aspects of backbiting that people might not feel is backbiting: 1. If someone is involved in backbiting, and when he is reprimanded he responds: "I am prepared to say it in front of him," he can be replied to with the following: You mentioned about him something he would not like in his absence. This is backbiting, and being prepared to mention it in front of him, is a different issue altogether. There is no proof from the Shar'eeah to show that being prepared to mention it to him allows backbiting. 2. If a specific person is mentioned, and someone says something loudly that implies something negative, like: "We seek refuge with Allah from being misguided" then this is also backbiting, because it is mentioning something bad about a person in his absence in an indirect way. 3. A statement about a person like: "Such and such a person is being tested with such and such" or "we used to do the same thing," implies it is something bad, and mentioned in his absence. Is that not what we have defined as backbiting? 4. Thinking it is allowed to backbite someone because he is a younger person. There is no proof for this. 5. Finding it easy to talk about someone because he is poor, or because he is weak, or a sinner, or the like. How should the Backbiter be treated:
The one to whom the backbiter comes should defend the brother who is being backbited. Also, the person who listens to the backbiter should be aware that he is encouraging an evil, and if the person does not stop, then he should walk away from him. Slander & false accusations Slander, and the making of false accusations, are |