Do you remember the story of Siti Aisha or Umm Mu’minin (wife of the Prophet pbuh) when she was in the libel?
Once, Siti Aishah followed the Prophet (pbuh) in one of his jihad against the infidels. When the war ended, Siti Aishah and the Prophet separated from the group. Siti Aishah lost in the desert in the middle of the night, alone without any companion. Siti Aishah then was found by one of the Prophet’s companions and then she was accompanied by him back to Medina.
However, her return to Medina was with non-mahram and caused libel to Siti Aisha. The Prophet was provoked and because the news was widely disseminated by the people, Prophet Muhammad pbuh believed it. Prophet Muhammad did not visit Aisha up to a certain time. Until Allah SWT sent down Quran Surah Annur (24) verses 11-26,
“ Those who bring false news that is of your group as well. Do you think that lying is bad news for you, even it is good for you. Each one of them got a reply from the sin that he earned. And, who among those who took part in the largest broadcasting false news that a great punishment for him “(Surah An-Nur [24]: 11).
Reflecting to the above story, even the Prophet pbuh could be the target of slander hypocrites. Whereas Rasulullah is guarded by Allah SWT.
In today’s world, it is easy to get and disseminate information through an advance technology. We can easily create slanders. Intentionally or not it can make others become victims of negligence due to ease of technology. Perhaps a misunderstanding makes a libel, that should not happen but it happened to innocent people. Even indirectly or without us knowing, we may involve with such slanderous conspiracy.
Slander, is easy. Yes, it is easy to accuse someone but the person slandered will certainly be hurt. Like a scratch on the rock, it is difficult to remove easily just remove that by crushing the rock. When the rock is broken, it is not easy to restore the rock to its original shape.
Many times slander is not intentional. Technology allows us to be fast and fluid in our communication thus making it easy for a slip up. Have you written or commented in a way that was not flattering at all? Did you make a comment that could be misunderstood? Do we come to conclusions to situations without knowing the other side of the story? Did we add gossip on top of the slander? Astagfirullah. It has happened to the best of us since we are not even an inkling to the Sahabah’s and their behavior!
So while reading this…take your mind back to yesterday, a week ago, a month ago and think deeply about what you have said, what news you found and then announced it. Also, what intentional or unintentional slander did we make…..I know, you didn’t mean it… just at the time I wanted to be the center of attention, to keep people in the know, to make people think I am the know all – be all. Hmmm… thinking about it… not only was slander the issue but now egotistical feeling as well! But Allah is the most merciful Insha Allah. So, let’s move onto the future…
Sister’s!
Here are some pointers of how to dissuade yourselves from Libel, slander.
Before you start talking ask yourself
- Why is this important information?
- And is this information true?
- Why should I bear this news?
- Who does this benefit?
- Am I feeling hostile?
- Am I feeling jealous?
If you take the time to answer these questions insha Allah you will not commit libel and insha Allah focus on saying only the good things. Remember sisters, simple and silly things like libel decreases our good deeds. Imagine handing over your savings account to that person you committed libel on…you would be quiet wouldn’t you?….
A do’a to avoid the dangers of libel insha Allah.
اللهمإني أعو ذبك من عذاب جحنم
ومن عذاب القبر ومن فتنة المحيا
والممات ومن فتنة المسيح الدجال
O Allah, verily I seek refuge in Allah from the hell and the grave and the torment of life and death of slander and defamation of the crime is still ad-Dajjal (Hadith narated by Muslim)
May Allah protect all of us. Ameen.
Wassallam.
