Ghazali on Backbiting – why people do it, when you can do it, how to stop doing it
Imam Ghazali’s book Kitaab Al-Arba’in Fi Usul ad-Din, The 40 Principles of the Faith is a summary of his great work, Ihya Ulumuddin which he wrote before he died. In the chapter on the...
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If you want to be saved, have a good opinion about others
Today’s reminder is that having a good opinion about people brings tranquility. In Arabic we say: حسن الظن بالناس يجلب الطمأنينة Every now and then we have rumours and accusations in the community and...
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Ghazali’s 20 rules for dealing with people. Rules 12-13 Cover the faults of others
In Imam Ghazali’s Kitaab Al-Arba’in Fi Usul ad-Din, ‘The Forty Principles of the Religion’, he collates 20 rules of how to deal with people. Rule 12: Cover other people’s mistakes and sins It is...
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Ghazali’s 20 rules for dealing with people Rules 7-8 Dealing with gossip and arguments.
Rule 7: Do not pass on gossip Ghazali says do not listen to rumours about others and do not pass them on. We need this very sound nugget of advice because we are flooded...
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Don’t believe every rumour. Reflections on Surat an Nur
When was Surat an Nur revealed? This is a famous surah. It was revealed in Madina and therefore has many rulings. There is no authentic narration on the virtue of this surah, but there...
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Biting your tongue. Easier said than done
The Art of Silence The Prophet (peace be on him) said: Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day let him say something good or let him be silent. (Bukhari) What we say is...
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The Islamic position on rumours
Catch it. Bin it. Kill it. Allah does not like the public mention of evil except by one who has been wronged. And ever is Allah Hearing and Knowing. (4:148) This ayah is one...
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The low down on gossiping, gatherings and secrets between spouses
Why husbands and wives need to keep their private lives private It is quite common in our community, among our neighbours, friends, and colleagues to get together and discuss others in gossip sessions....
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Updating Your Anti-Virus Protection against Gossip
The Virus The Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) said, “Shall I tell you about the best of you?” They said, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet (peace be on him) said,...
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