Hujurat 49-12(lesson)

““INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ‘‘ILM -AL-AKHLAQ ILM -AL-AKHLAQ ””

Intermediate Level Islamic course in English for AdultsIntermediate Level Islamic course in English for Adultsconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismailconducted by Ustaz Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011))

EXCERPTS FROM:

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,IN THE NAME OF ALLAH,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST COMPASSIONATE,MOST MERCIFUL.MOST MERCIFUL.

UNDERSTANDING QUR’ANIC MESSAGE UNDERSTANDING QUR’ANIC MESSAGE

All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

LESSONS FROM SURAH AL-HUJURAT

““O you who have attained to faith! Avoid (O you who have attained to faith! Avoid (DZONNDZONN) most ) most

guesswork [about one another] for, behold, some of [such] guesswork [about one another] for, behold, some of [such]

guesswork is [in itself] a sin; and do not spy (guesswork is [in itself] a sin; and do not spy (TAJAS-SASUTAJAS-SASU) upon ) upon

one another, and neither allow your selves to speak ill of one one another, and neither allow your selves to speak ill of one

another behind your backs (another behind your backs (GHIBAHGHIBAH). Would any of you like to ). Would any of you like to

eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would loathe it! And eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would loathe it! And

be conscious of Allah. Verily, Allah is an accep tor of repentance, a be conscious of Allah. Verily, Allah is an accep tor of repentance, a

dispenser of grace!”dispenser of grace!”

((Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 12Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 12))





Personal inner purity demands that our thoughts and opinion of Personal inner purity demands that our thoughts and opinion of

others are never allowed to be clouded, such that it may become others are never allowed to be clouded, such that it may become

corrupted by insinuations, conjectures or unsubstantiated reports from corrupted by insinuations, conjectures or unsubstantiated reports from

other sources. other sources.

But our But our NafsNafs (self) tends to develop certain inclinations towards (self) tends to develop certain inclinations towards

wanting to judge others especially when we are infected by self-conceit wanting to judge others especially when we are infected by self-conceit

and arrogance. Thus, the commandment to avoid suspicion aims at and arrogance. Thus, the commandment to avoid suspicion aims at

preventing defilement of that innocence towards others already preventing defilement of that innocence towards others already

present in us. present in us.



Observe the child, and we would marvel at how pure are their

regard towards others. Yet, as we grow, we become more self-aware

and our personality develops complexity.

We adopt traits which sullied that child-like innocence and we

regard this neutrality (not harbouring any suspicion of others) not as

innocence, but being a ‘naïveté.’ This is further compounded by other

social influences that may encourage distrust (of various degrees)

towards others, as well as our inner shortcomings of selfishness,

conceit and arrogance which relish at looking down upon others.



These propensity, if not managed would propel us towards These propensity, if not managed would propel us towards

inquisitiveness that tantamount to sinning against others. To be inquisitiveness that tantamount to sinning against others. To be

cautious is not justification to prejudge others negatively. cautious is not justification to prejudge others negatively.

When such inquisitiveness is not checked and tampered with justice When such inquisitiveness is not checked and tampered with justice

for others – in that their honour must also be safeguarded – we may be for others – in that their honour must also be safeguarded – we may be

tempted to encroach into their privacy. tempted to encroach into their privacy.

Our Prophet s.a.a.w. warns us against infringing the personal rights Our Prophet s.a.a.w. warns us against infringing the personal rights

of others, and must be cautious even in our assumptions that negates of others, and must be cautious even in our assumptions that negates

the honour of others without clear evidence. the honour of others without clear evidence.




““The blood of a Muslim, his property and honour are The blood of a Muslim, his property and honour are

sacred and inviolable (haram) for another Muslim.”sacred and inviolable (haram) for another Muslim.”

((Hadeeth reported by MuslimHadeeth reported by Muslim))


““Blessed is the one who is busy (addressing) with his own Blessed is the one who is busy (addressing) with his own

shortcomings (faults) rather than getting involve withshortcomings (faults) rather than getting involve with

(searching for) the shortcomings (faults) of other people.”(searching for) the shortcomings (faults) of other people.”

((HadeethHadeeth))



“DZONN”

Having meaning of : “guessing; opinion; assumption; view;

supposition; presumption; belief; etc. based upon unverified

information , imaginings, news, etc.- yet to be proven.”

And in respect towards other people, we are taught to hold to

‘HUSN-DZONN’ – “good or favourable opinion; innocence; etc.”

and must avoid having

‘SUU-U-DZONN’ – “low or bad or holding ill-opinion of ; distrust; etc.”


““Verily that which is worst than Verily that which is worst than RIBARIBA (usury) is the (usury) is the

excesses (in your) actions which tarnish the honour of excesses (in your) actions which tarnish the honour of

Muslim without any right (justification). “Muslim without any right (justification). “

[[Hadith reported by Abu DawudHadith reported by Abu Dawud]]


““Blessed is the person who is so worried (busy, preoccupied) Blessed is the person who is so worried (busy, preoccupied)

about his ownabout his own ‘UYUUB ‘UYUUB – (– (‘AIB ‘AIB – the shortcomings, sins and – the shortcomings, sins and

faults) rather than be concern of the faults) rather than be concern of the ‘UYUUB ‘UYUUB – (‘– (‘AIB AIB – the – the

shortcomings, sins faults) in other people. “shortcomings, sins faults) in other people. “

[[Hadith reported by Abu DawudHadith reported by Abu Dawud]]



““Verily, as for those who like [to hear] foul slander spread Verily, as for those who like [to hear] foul slander spread

against [any of] those who have attained to faith grievous against [any of] those who have attained to faith grievous

suffering awaits them in this world and in the life to come: for suffering awaits them in this world and in the life to come: for

Allah knows [the full truth], whereas you know [it] not.”Allah knows [the full truth], whereas you know [it] not.”

((Qur’an: Nur: 24: 19Qur’an: Nur: 24: 19))


““And do not pursue (be concerned with) that of And do not pursue (be concerned with) that of

which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, which you have no knowledge. Indeed, the hearing,

the sight and the heart -all of them - will be called to the sight and the heart -all of them - will be called to

account for it [on Judgment Day]!.”account for it [on Judgment Day]!.”

((Qur’an: Isra’: 17: 36Qur’an: Isra’: 17: 36))



"O You Muslim (who claim yourself as one) with your mouth! "O You Muslim (who claim yourself as one) with your mouth!

But Faith (But Faith (iimaniiman) has not entered your hearts; ) has not entered your hearts; do not cause do not cause

annoyance towards other Muslims by making fun of them annoyance towards other Muslims by making fun of them

and searching for their faultsand searching for their faults. This is because whosoever . This is because whosoever

likes to search for the faults of his Muslim brother, Allah in likes to search for the faults of his Muslim brother, Allah in

turn will search out his faults. When Allah searches out turn will search out his faults. When Allah searches out

someone's faults, He will expose whatever secrets that the someone's faults, He will expose whatever secrets that the

person has, even if it were (hidden) in his baggage." person has, even if it were (hidden) in his baggage."

((Hadeeth reported by Abu DawudHadeeth reported by Abu Dawud))



““Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the gravest lie in talk and Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the gravest lie in talk and

do not be inquisitive about one another and do not spy upon do not be inquisitive about one another and do not spy upon

one another and do not feel envy with the other, and harbour no one another and do not feel envy with the other, and harbour no

malice, and harbour no aversion and hostility against one another. malice, and harbour no aversion and hostility against one another.

And be fellow-brothers and servants of Allah. And be fellow-brothers and servants of Allah.

[[Hadith reported by Bukhary and MuslimHadith reported by Bukhary and Muslim]]



Another dangerous malady, the outcome of inquisitiveness of Another dangerous malady, the outcome of inquisitiveness of

others combined with our conceit which tends to rouse us into others combined with our conceit which tends to rouse us into

divulging the faults in others, is the sin of ‘divulging the faults in others, is the sin of ‘GHIBAHGHIBAH’ (backbiting). The ’ (backbiting). The

Prophet s.a.w. considers this sin to be worst than adultery or imbibing Prophet s.a.w. considers this sin to be worst than adultery or imbibing

intoxicant because these can be forgiven by Allah s.w.t. repentance intoxicant because these can be forgiven by Allah s.w.t. repentance

whereas with “GHIBBAH” this is insufficient. It requires also the seeking whereas with “GHIBBAH” this is insufficient. It requires also the seeking

of forgiveness from the one being ‘back-bited’ who may require of forgiveness from the one being ‘back-bited’ who may require

reinstating his/her honour – before Allah can forgive us this sin.reinstating his/her honour – before Allah can forgive us this sin.


And Allah s.w.t. likens ‘And Allah s.w.t. likens ‘GHIBAHGHIBAH' to eating the flesh of your dead ' to eating the flesh of your dead

brother/sister, to stress how detestable and abhorrent this sin is, Allah brother/sister, to stress how detestable and abhorrent this sin is, Allah

asks:asks:

““Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his

dead brother? Nay, you would loathe it! “dead brother? Nay, you would loathe it! “

((Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 12Qur’an: Hujurat: 49: 12))


Any one who has encountered dead flesh would definitely Any one who has encountered dead flesh would definitely

understand how detesting to even be near it, let alone consuming it!?understand how detesting to even be near it, let alone consuming it!?

Unfortunately, many people may not be aware that what may be Unfortunately, many people may not be aware that what may be

doing is actually ‘doing is actually ‘GHIBAHGHIBAH'. '.

Thus we need to remove any ambiguity and learn the actual Thus we need to remove any ambiguity and learn the actual

meaning of ‘meaning of ‘GHIBAHGHIBAH' (backbiting). ' (backbiting).




““Do you know what is Do you know what is GHIBAHGHIBAH (backbiting)?” (backbiting)?”

The said: “Allah and His Messenger knows!!” He then said:The said: “Allah and His Messenger knows!!” He then said:

““Your mentioning your brother with something about Your mentioning your brother with something about

him that he dislikes [being spoken about]." him that he dislikes [being spoken about]."

Someone then asked, "How about if my brother possesses Someone then asked, "How about if my brother possesses

that [characteristic which I am mentioning]?" that [characteristic which I am mentioning]?"

He replied, "If he possesses that which you mention, then He replied, "If he possesses that which you mention, then

you have [indeed] backbitten him. And, if he does not you have [indeed] backbitten him. And, if he does not

possess that which you say of him, then you have possess that which you say of him, then you have

slandered him." slandered him."

[Hadith reported by Muslim and Ahmad[Hadith reported by Muslim and Ahmad]]


““Never will enter Paradise those who spread slander. “Never will enter Paradise those who spread slander. “

[[Hadith reported by BukharyHadith reported by Bukhary]]


““Should I not inform you as to who is the most evil person? “They Should I not inform you as to who is the most evil person? “They

replied: “Certainly (do tell) .“ The Prophet s.a.w. then said: “It is those replied: “Certainly (do tell) .“ The Prophet s.a.w. then said: “It is those

who convey slanderous tales to severe the loving relationship who convey slanderous tales to severe the loving relationship

between people, and who falsely accuse others with faults.”between people, and who falsely accuse others with faults.”

[[Hadith reported in Sharah Ihya 7: 562Hadith reported in Sharah Ihya 7: 562]]



““Verily the person whom I love most amongst you is he who Verily the person whom I love most amongst you is he who

has the good disposition (akhlaq) – which people around him has the good disposition (akhlaq) – which people around him

feel safe from and who is easy to get along with. Whereas feel safe from and who is easy to get along with. Whereas

the person I am hateful to is he who likes to spread slander, the person I am hateful to is he who likes to spread slander,

who destroys love (friendship-brotherhood) and who likes to who destroys love (friendship-brotherhood) and who likes to

reveal the shortcomings of others.”reveal the shortcomings of others.”

[[Hadith reported by Tabarany) Hadith reported by Tabarany)

[a] Injustice. One who has suffered injustice is entitled to mention

the perpetrator of that injustice to someone who is capable of

restoring his

rights to him, such as a legitimate Muslim ruler or judge or police or the

relevant authority - but not just anyone.


““Allah does not like any evil to be mentioned openly, unless it be Allah does not like any evil to be mentioned openly, unless it be

by him who has been wronged (thereby) And Allah is indeed all-by him who has been wronged (thereby) And Allah is indeed all-

hearing, all-knowing,” (hearing, all-knowing,” (Qur’an: an-Nisa’: 4: 148Qur’an: an-Nisa’: 4: 148))

[a] Injustice. One who has suffered injustice is entitled to mention

the perpetrator of that injustice to someone who is capable of

restoring his

rights to him, such as a legitimate Muslim ruler or judge or police or the

relevant authority - but not just anyone.


““Verily, those with rights, has the say.”Verily, those with rights, has the say.”

((Hadith reported by Bukhary and MuslimHadith reported by Bukhary and Muslim))

[b] Seeking help to change an evil, or to reform the wrongdoer, e.g.

discussion with peers or those who can counsel and advise him to

change. If the intention in telling the ‘GHIBAH’ is not to change the

wrong but out of malice or vengeance, or merely for fun etc. then it is

forbidden to relate it.


[c] Asking for a fatwa from qualified religious scholar. A

person may say, 'My father/brother/wife has done such-and-

such to me. What can I do about it? This is similar to No.[b].


[d] [d] WarningWarning, such as warning a prospective buyer that the , such as warning a prospective buyer that the

merchant is a swindler, or warning a student that his prospective merchant is a swindler, or warning a student that his prospective

teacher is an innovator or a deviant. Also, revealing the faults of teacher is an innovator or a deviant. Also, revealing the faults of

weak narrators and forgers of weak narrators and forgers of HADITHHADITH, and giving someone a candid , and giving someone a candid

appraisal of a person whom the former is thinking of marrying. appraisal of a person whom the former is thinking of marrying.


[e] [e] If someone is commonly known by a nickname which he do not If someone is commonly known by a nickname which he do not

object to object to being called by it, although if there is some alternative way being called by it, although if there is some alternative way

to refer to him, it is preferable rather than nickname. When the to refer to him, it is preferable rather than nickname. When the

nickname signify evil or bad, avoid using it, even if he do not object to nickname signify evil or bad, avoid using it, even if he do not object to

people using it. This is to honour him and perhaps may serve as lesson people using it. This is to honour him and perhaps may serve as lesson

to him to not continue to demean himself.to him to not continue to demean himself.

[f] [f] Someone who sins openlySomeone who sins openly, and has no qualms about his sins , and has no qualms about his sins

being known or mentioned i.e. blatant disregard. However, it is not being known or mentioned i.e. blatant disregard. However, it is not

permissible to mention any of his secret sins (those not committed permissible to mention any of his secret sins (those not committed

openly). openly).




‘‘And (may AllAnd (may Allaah send) salutations and prayers upon Muh send) salutations and prayers upon Muhhammad ammad

and upon the household and companions of Muand upon the household and companions of Muhhammad ammad

(the pure ones of his family and all the loyal followers).(the pure ones of his family and all the loyal followers).


““Glory to thy Lord the Lord, of Honour and Power! Glory to thy Lord the Lord, of Honour and Power!

(He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him)! (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him)!

And Peace on the Messengers! And Peace on the Messengers!

And praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds.” And praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds.”

http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/http://an-naseehah.blogspot.com/

http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/http://introductiontotauhid.blogspot.com/

http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/http://oyoubelievers.blogspot.com/

http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/http://al-amthaal.blogspot.com/

http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/ http://zhulkeflee-archive.blogspot.com/

http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/http://criteriaforaholybook-quran.blogspot.com/

http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/ http://with-the-truthful.blogspot.com/

http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/http ://muqaddam-nurul.blogspot.com/

All welcome to visit my web-blog:All welcome to visit my web-blog:

39All Rights Reserved © Zhulkeflee Hj Ismail (2011)

Spiritual

Hujurat 49-12(lesson)