السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Tuesday 14th April. Today ,I want to touch upon the subject of Ghībat (Backbiting). May Almighty Allāh forgive us all, Āmeen
In my estimation, it is a major sin which has hardly spared any one of us. The most dangerous aspect is that, being involved in it, we do not even regard it as a sin.
One of the most common things we say is ‘I know this is backbiting and we shouldn’t be doing it but I thought I will just share it with you‘ and off we go. Another favourite one is ‘I will tell you, but keep it to yourself‘.
If we cannot keep it to ourselves then how is someone else going to keep it within themselves? Let’s make a promise to Almighty Allāh today that we will never ever talk bad about any one behind their back.
If you see a fault in someone, if at all possible, approach that person (privately) and politely mention it to them, with wisdom and love, and they will thank you for it. But, and it is a big BUT, it is not everyone’s cup of tea. So, be careful.
During our Dārul Uloom Bury days, I recall Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā Hāshim Jogwāri Ṣāḥib مدظله once mentioning to us : ‘Ghībat is to talk ill behind one’s back. Such a talk that if you said it in front of that person he/she would not like it.‘
Then Ḥaḍrat Mawlānā told us. ‘However, I give you all open permission to tell me very clearly if you know of any faults of my son Khalīl so that I can rectify those faults. That will not be termed as Ghībat. That will be a favour of yours upon me and Khalīl‘.
What foresight and concern for the family, مَا شَآءَ الله! Mawlānā Khalīl ibn Mawlānā Hāshim Jogwāri was in our DU Bury class from 1985 to 1991 مَا شَآءَ الله. I apologise to Mawlānā Khalīl in advance for relaying this story today.
Finally, sorry, but my sisters are one step ahead of us brothers in this one. Once they start, there is no stopping. Special hour long phone calls to gossip and backbite about anyone and everyone.
No my sisters, don’t let shaytān and Nafs get the better of you. This is a spiritual illness which needs spiritual treatment.
Let’s start by taking our own account every night before retiring to bed. For each instance of Ghībat that you remember, pray for the ones you have done Ghībat about. This will slowly lead to a Ghībat free life اِنْ شَاءَ الَّلهُ.
I address myself first and then my brothers and sisters. Brothers, please only share with Maḥrams.
Almighty Allāh protect us from all spiritual diseases, Āmeen.
جزاك الله خيرا
Request for DuꜤās
والسلام Hanif Dudhwala