In today's world, telecommunication is very fast. Much is being said that is not the truth and by the time the truth is manifested, it is very often too late to undo the damage done. It is very important that before we speak, we be sure that what we are saying is the truth and that we do not carry tales from people who maybe at times for their own motives, make things up. In addition, we speak about people behind their backs because we may not have the guts to say what really bothers us in front of them. We may also make fun of them. The sad truth is that we take speaking about people very lightly, at times to the extent that we may hurt people very badly. Let us see how the Quran views this matter.
O you who believe, when a wicked person brings you any news, you shall investigate, lest you hurt others through ignorance, then regret what you have done.
49:6
O you who believe, no people shall mock other people, for they may be better than they, nor shall women mock other women, for they may be better than they. Do not defame each other, nor ridicule any names. It is repugnant to practice wickedness after acquiring faith. Those who refuse to repent are wicked.
49:11
O you who believe, you shall avoid suspicions, even a little bit of suspicion is sinful. You shall not spy nor shall you backbite each other. Does any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You certainly abhor this. You shall observe God, for God is redeemer, merciful.
49:12
Please note that here the address is to: O you who believe! These are the things that we should avoid the moment we become believers, for how can we say that we believe in God and then continue to behave as if we have no God? To gossip about others without ascertaining if what we saying is the truth, to be suspicious, to speak ill and to make fun of others, to be sarcastic and to use nicknames are all compared to eating the flesh of our dead brother. I am sure none of us would like to do such a thing.
