14
Sep 2023
In an age of rapid information dissemination through various channels, rumours spread like wildfire, causing anxiety, confusion, and division within Muslim communities. It is crucial for Muslims to understand the significance of dealing with rumours responsibly, both as individuals and as a community. In particular it is sadly common for those in positions of leadership. Common pitfalls that people and preachers fall into 1. Haste and lack of investigation and verification One of the primary challenges in dealing with rumours within Muslim communities is the tendency to hastily believe and spread information......
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10
Apr 2022
In Surat Nur there are many rulings, as it was revealed in Madinah, and in general surahs revealed in Madinah contained guidance on what was permissible and impermissible in Islam. a surah which We have revealed and made ˹its rulings˺ obligatory, and revealed in it clear commandments so that you may be mindful. (24:1) The main theme of this surah is the importance of protecting one other’s reputation. It mentions the episode of Al Ifk, when some hypocrites slandered Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). Allah Almighty clears her reputation......
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13
Nov 2021
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 purification of the heart, he breaks down the traits we need to excise from ourselves, and begins by focusing on the evils of the tongue. He zooms in on 5 of the common diseases, out of 20 evils of the tonque he listed in the Ihya. These 5 are: lying (kadhib) كذب, backbiting (ghiba) غيبة, argumentation (marah) مماراة,......
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10
Sep 2021
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 the common practice among the vast majority of Muslims, let alone non-Muslims is to believe the rumours are a fact and proof of guilt. I have spoken about his topic many times, but I feel that there is a need to clarify the position of how to deal with rumours or how to react when you hear something......
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16
Jul 2021
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 one of principles of dealing with people is to cover their faults and sins, by not pointing them out to others and talking about them. Do not publicise or broadcast people’s mistakes by discussing them or forwarding them on social media. While there is still a screen over someone’s faults they have a chance to rectify them and......
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10
Jul 2021
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 by rumours, fabrications, lies and fake news. The Quran and Sunnah gave us the formula for dealing with them. What should you do when you hear a piece of news? Firstly, do not convey it. Secondly, if it needs to be passed on it, check it first. Most of the time, it should not be passed on. Marital......
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19
Apr 2021
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 is a weak narration by Muhajid, who was not a companion but a tabiy’i (next generation of successors of the companions) who said that men should learn Surah Maida and women should learn Surat an Nur. How to deal with rumours in the community From this surah and others, scholars have derived one of five the main aims......
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03
Jan 2020
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 an important topic. it can’t be underestimated. And we see this from the character of the Prophet (peace be on him), who was always careful to choose the right words, the right time and the right way to say them. No filter We don’t always have this wisdom in our communication. More often than not, whenever something pops......
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30
Sep 2019
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 of the main Quranic ayahs on social discipline and how to deal with gossip and rumours. There are five main principles to follow on this issue. When scholars and community leaders have allegations made against them, many people are swift to condemn them without the full facts. There is often no evidence – but a rapid detonation of......
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06
Jul 2019
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. This behaviour is so disgusting and forbidden, that in the Quran, Allah Almighty says: O you who believe! Avoid most suspicion—some suspicion is sinful. And do not spy on one another, nor backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would detest it. So remain mindful of God. God......
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24
Aug 2018
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, “The best of you are those who, when they are seen, inspire others to remember Allah Almighty.” The Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) said, “Shall I not inform you of the worst among you?’” They said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” He said: “Those who go to and fro bearing tales , who cause separation between......
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