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 malicious gossip. People react negatively without waiting for the truth to emerge and without giving them the benefit of doubt, or allowing them to clarify their position. We have seen this with prominent Muslims recently. This is not the Islamic way to deal with rumours. This treatment of these figures has been unjust. They were tried by public opinion and assumed guilty before they could prove their innocence. Allah Almighty is saying ‘He does not like evil words to be spread and be said’. Anything which spreads evil in the community is detested by Him. So do not follow this trend. Unfortunately we have gossip shows and the paparazzi culture. Zooming in on and magnifying people’s sins is haram. There is a whole industry based on people’s sins. Yet, we do not, in general, have the right approach in dealing with rumours. Our first reaction on hearing an accusation should not be to judge. There is no need to judge. We are not judges. Wait for more details and a clearer picture to emerge. Even then say ‘may Allah protect us from sins’. Don’t jump to conclusions. Do not make accusations before there is any evidence. The scorn poured on famous scholars has been uncalled for and disproportionate. … Continue reading The Islamic position on rumours