Knowing what is right and wrong is essential knowledge. Sometimes, our conscience can distinguish between the two, and at other times we need a gentle reminder. Acting upon the knowledge we gain is obligatory, as not doing so may incur sinfulness on our part. This series of articles will Inshallah enlighten you on ‘Forbidden Matters, which some people take lightly’ primarily based on the book Muharramat by Sheikh Muhammad Salih Al-Munajjid.

The hot topic of every gathering; gossip. What’s the latest? Everyone is sure to bring updates of what they have seen or heard, or sometimes even made up from the top of their minds to simply add spice. We all, I am sure, know it is wrong, but often we make excuses so that we can indulge in it. It seems we enjoy defaming our brothers and sisters, for no reason, except upon the provocation of Shaytaan. We accept the invitation of our greatest enemy without thinking twice.

“The most prevalent kind of usury is going to lengths in talking unjustly against a muslim’s honour.” (Abu Dawud)

Let’s admit it; how many times have you made yourself a cup of coffee only to sit down and gossip with your friend about another? If you are one of the blessed ones who remember that gossiping is a sin, what do you do? Do you remain silent, for fear of offending your friend? Or do you speak up, and forbid the evil? Gossiping is such an easy trap that we fall into.

“…neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting)…” (Surah Hujurat 49:12)

Allah puts forward this comparison to us, for us to realise the severity of the sin. Indeed human cannibalism is revolting, nevertheless some of us engage in it every other day. The Prophet explained this ayah further, when he asked his companions, “do you know what gheebah (gossiping or backbiting) is?” They replied, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said, “to say something about your brother which he does not want to be said.” He (Peace and Blessings be Upon Him) was asked, “what do you think if what is said about him is true?” He said, “If what you say about him is true, it is backbiting, and if what you say about him is not true, it is slandering (calumny).”

Many muslims belittle this sin, as though it is of no consequence. Remember Shaytaan will seek to destroy you by means of seemingly-small sins. Gheebah is classed amongst the major sins, but it is the deception of Shaytaan which makes us feel it is small.

So the next time, you meet up with your friend, remember the severity of gheebah, and stay away from it by all means possible. It is preferable not to talk about one who is absent, lest you accidentally fall into Shaytaan’s web. If you have no part in the gossiping, but are a spectator to it all, remember your duty to your brother or sister. Defend them, and enjoin the good and forbid the evil.

“Whoever defends the honour of his muslim brother, Allah will protect his face from the fire on the day of Resurrection.” (Ahmad)

May Allah make us of those who refrain from this evil and prevent it. Ameen.