Blinded by the Log — (Tie the Tongue Series -Part 1)
Naseeha Channel
Associating and interacting with people is a basic need of human nature. When meeting and interacting with people, the chosen method of communication is normally that of speech. However, what is the topic that we choose to discuss? Some may discuss the news and political landscape, others may discuss the latest sport results, while mothers may discuss children issues, recipes or even the latest fashions and trends.
Whatever the topic may be, in many instances the conversation eventually drifts to a person being discussed. Thereafter, depending on the nature of the personality, his praises may either be sung or his ‘laundry may be hung out to dry’ with all and sundry free to spectate and participate in the backbiting ‘feast’.
The severity of the sin of ghībah lies in a few aspects; the backbiter will not be forgiven unless he secures the forgiveness of the one who was the victim of his ghībah (backbiting). If he fails to secure his forgiveness in this world, he will be made to recompense him by giving him his good deeds or bearing his evil deeds in the Hereafter. Another aspect is that all those who happily spectate, even though they do not actively participate, are party to the sin. Also, most people who indulge in ghībah do not regard their action as a sin.
Often, when the person backbiting is told that he is indulging in ghībah (backbiting), he replies, “But the person really does have these faults!” In this regard, it is imperative for us to understand that ghībah is for us to say something about another person or even indicate or gesture (e.g. a gesture showing that he is fat, short, etc.) that is true, but is such that if he knew about it, he would not like it. In the case where the statement made is nottrue, then the statement was not ghībah but was rather buhtān (slander) which is even worse!
Tying one’s tongue and abstaining from ghībah is vital at all times — but more so in the month of Ramadhān as ghībah has the potential to rob one of all the benefits and rewards of his fast. Hence, Abū Hurairah (radhiyallāhu ‘anhu) reports that Rasūlullāh (sallallāhu ‘alaihī wasallam) once said,
“Fasting is a shield, provided that one does not tear it.” Rasūlullāh (sallallāhu ‘alaihī wasallam) was then asked, “How does one tear the shield?” Rasūlullāh (sallallāhu ‘alaihī wasallam) replied, “By lying or indulging in ghībah (backbiting).” (Tabrāni — Majma‘uz Zawāid #5012)
Hence, the next time ghībah takes place, let us either put a stop to it, or if we are unable to do that, excuse ourselves and leave so that we do not become implicated. Furthermore, if we ever feel the impulse to indulge in ghībah, then let us ponder over this statement of Abū Hurairah (radhiyallāhu ‘anhu):
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