Module 7E-09 higher level

EXTeNDED LeARniNG

When a person witnesses or hears something about another that is negative, or suggests they are doing something wrong, the worst thing one can do is pass that information to others. Wrongfully accusing someone of something is called tuhmah, and is regarded as one of the biggest sins in Islam. When a person talks ill about someone behind their back and discusses what he/she saw or heard, then this is ghibah. The same ayah (49:12) that talks about suspicion also talks about ghibah. Backbiting is likened to eating the flesh of a dead brother. Can you work out the wisdom behind this simile?

Those who practise su adh-dhann can often extend it further into ghibah. This has the potential to destroy families, separate friends, and cause rifts in the community.

As followers of the beautiful examples set by our ma‘sumin, we should focus on building a united community that is ready to welcome Imam al-Mahdi (a). The foundations of our relationships should be built on trust and love, not suspicion and false accusations. We should look to protect our brothers and sisters in faith. We should hide their wrongdoings and attempt to guide them in the best way possible.

Think about how we would feel if people saw us in a particular situation and completely misinterpreted what they saw. There are times when things are not as they appear to be and may have other explanations behind them.

Rasulullah (s) said: “A true Muslim is the one who other Muslims are secure from his tongue and his hand.”

Once Rasulullah (s) said to his companions, “Do you know what is ghibah?” They said, “Allah and his messenger know better.” He said, “To mention from your brother what he doesn’t like.” They said, “What if what we say is truly in him?” He said, “If what you say is true then it is ghibah, but if it is not in him it is tuhmah.”