Over the next few days I will be talking about sinful acts that we should avoid during the month of Ramadan. Although as Muslims we should avoid sin at all costs all of the time, we should make an extra effort during this month in order for our fasts and duas to be accepted. May Allah keep us strong during this holy month. Ameen
Day 1: Backbiting
Abu Hurayrah ( radiyallahu ‘anhu) narrated that allah’s Messenger ( sallallahu’ alaihi wasallam) said: Whoever does not abandon falsehood in speech and acting on it, and behaving with ignorance, then Allah has no need for him to abandon his food and drink”
It has been mentioned before that moral violations harm the fast. If a person behaves sinfully, his fast may be valid, but his reward is lessened, or he loses his reward for fasting.
What constitutes sin or moral violations? Sinful acts, sinful speech, sinfully looking at anything that Allah swt ( the most high) had prohibited. So what exactly happens when we sin? Is our fast no longer valid or accepted? The fast is not invalidated, however, the reward is lost. There is no making up for that fast. Instead, he must repent for his immoral behavior.
None of us are strangers to backbiting. In fact at times we may think that it’s no big deal. Whether at work talking about that one coworker. Or at a family gathering talking about that one cousin, aunt, uncle, sibling who stays in some sort of trouble.Or amongst friends when you’re talking about that one friend in the group who seems to love drama. Regardless of the circumstances involved, backbiting is a sin. One that brings severe punishment, whether what’s being said is true or not, Allah swt forbids backbiting.
Backbiting
Backbiting is one of the major sins in Islam and Allah has strictly prohibited to backbite against any person, Muslim or Non- Muslim. Abu Huraira narrated that Allah’s messenger Prophet Muhhamed ( PBUH) said that:
Backbiting is when you talk about a person behind his back ( and not in front of him) in a manner in which he would not like. Then the companions asked, “What if we mention the things in which are actually found in that person?’ Prophet Muhhamed (PBUH) replied that if those things are actually found in that person even then in fact you have backbitten him, and if those things are not present then you have slandered him. (Muslim)
The above Hadith is stating that in both situations, whether the things are true or not, we as Muslims are not allowed to talk about a person behind his back. Allah has mentioned a severe punishment in the Quran for those who backbite.
Allah says in Surah Al-Hujurat, verse 12:
“ O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is accepting of repentance and Merciful” [49:12]
Through this verse, we are able to have a better understanding of the severity of backbiting. It can have horrible effects on individuals, families, and even societies. It is even punishable by crime in some places. So how can we avoid this?
- Fear Allah
When you are speaking to anyone, remember that Allah is watching and listening. Remind yourself what he says about backbiting in the Quran. Any involvement in any form of backbiting will not only pull you away from the mercy of Allah swt, but will get you closer to the trap of Shaytan.
- Fear Death
What were to happen if death were to fall upon us while we were in the middle of backbiting? Would anyone want to meet such an end? Hopefully this will help us to refrain from backbiting InshaAllah
- Put yourself in the shoes of the one being talked about
How would we feel if someone were backbiting us in the same way? Reminding ourselves of this will not only help us to avoid backbiting but it will also humble us and hopefully make us more compassionate and sympathetic towards others.
- Avoid bad company and situations where there is backbiting
There are times when we ourselves are in situations whether it is with family or friends or even co- workers. Places and situations that we may not be able to avoid. The best thing to do is to try to avoid them by staying away from people who enjoy talking about others. If needed remove yourself from such situations by walking away when you can.
- Stay silent
The best thing that we can do when we are in situations that we may not necessarily be able to get ourselves out of is to stay silent. Remember your fast and the rewards that come with it, as well as the punishment that may come and the reward lost.
If we are in constant remembrance of Allah swt and of the rewards this blessed month will bring, we should be able to avoid getting tangled up in any sort of backbiting. I pray that Allah swt make things easy for us all . Ameen
About the Author: Sister Rebecca is a SAHM living in Houston Texas. Married for 13 years with two children, and a revert since 2014, her hobbies include cooking, reading, and spending time with family.
