Today, I endured a very frustrating encounter, with someone I thought should have known better.
It all began with a very casual and friendly sms exchange, asking about my exact age, which I did find a tad curious, but I went along with it nonetheless.
It then progressed to my being questioned about whether or not I had been at a certain (unsavoury) place more than 15 years ago. I hadn't, and I asserted as much. But this person assured me that I had, that they remember it very distinctly. I politely explained that I definitely hadn't, and if anyone can remember where I had been, it would be me.
This inquisition continued as I was sent a barrage of further text messages (13 more to be exact) and a couple of other accusations were thrown in for good measure.
At this point, I was simply ignoring them, because it had become clear this person had no intention of accepting my input.
But what was most unsettling was that over the course of this 'exchange' I realised that this was more than likely in the context of a far bigger story; it was more than likely that I had been the topic of some pretty degrading backbiting/slander/gossip (wallahu a3lam).
So, I facebooked her, a message reminding her of the gravity of this sin and requesting that she stop. And in reminding her, I too was reminded, because we all need to be reminded sometimes.
Quran Chapter 49 verse 12: O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions; indeed some suspicions are sins. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.
...and
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah SAWS (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Do you know what gheebah (backbiting) is?” They said, “Allaah and His Messenger know best.” He said, “Saying something about your brother that he dislikes.” It was said, “What if what I say about my brother is true?” He said, “If what you say is true then you have backbitten about him, and if it is not true, then you have slandered him.”
Narrated by Muslim, 2589
