When Slander Spreads In A Society — It Destroys The Greatest Social Capital, Which Is The Spirit Of Brotherhood And Unity:
One of the Greatest and most dangerous and in the meantime most popular corruptions of Tongue is Slander — Slander mentions hidden weak points and Faults of the others so that if they hear, they will be disturbed.
These points are either concerned with religious, moral, spiritual and social aspects, or with bodily aspects, including Face, body's limbs, corporal powers, actions and behaviours, or attachments, such as wife, child, and or clothing, house, etc.
Hudhaifa reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said, “A slanderer will not enter the Garden.” (Bukhari; Muslim)
Ibn ‘Abbas reported that the Prophet (saw) passed by two graves and said, “They are being punished and not For anything very great. One of them did not guard himself From urine and the other was involved in backbiting.” (Bukhari)
Imam Nawawi said, “Slander and talebearing are two of the ugliest and most Frequently met with qualities among men, Few people being safe From them… Every legally responsible person should refrain From saying anything except when there is a clear advantage to speaking.” (Keller, Reliance of the Traveller)
Scholars say there is nothing like safety. Therefore, one should remember the words of the Messenger of Allah (saw), “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last day, let him say the good or remain silent.” (Bukhari; Muslim)
It has been narrated that once a man came to Umar bin Abdul Aziz(May Allah be pleased with him) and started slandering another person.
So, Syedna Umar said:"If you want, we can look into this matter, but if it turns out that you are a liar, then this ayah will Fit your description.
"O believers, if an evildoer brings you any news, verify, so you do not harm people unknowingly, becoming regretful for what you have done".
And if you are Truthful, then this ayah will Fit your description. " همّاز مّشّآء بنميم " "Slanderer, gossip-monger".
And if you want, we can Forgive you. So, the man asked For Forgiveness, and Syedna Umar Forgave him on the condition that he will never repeat this again".
When Slander is spread in the society, it destroys one of the greatest social capitals which is the spirit of brotherhood, unity and intimacy, and ruins the Foundations of good opinion and public confidence which is the First requisite of social cooperation.
As outspread of Slander causes the people to become aware of hidden weak points of each other, and since most people are not Free From any weak point, knowing them spreads suspicion in society.
This pessimism and suspicion annihilates the spirit of cooperation and collaboration — and the society will be deprived of all of its concerned blessings, and practically individuals are subjected to "social seclusion".
So, the point is that — when someone Slander or Backbites another person, it is a sign of his cowardice and moral depravity. Backbiting is a sin that spreads mischief in society and creates mistrust among each other.
May Allah(swt) protect us From sins and accept our Good deeds. (Ameen).
JazakAllah (May Allah Reward You [with] Goodness)For Reading.