ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Taqwa (Piety) Advice of Tale-Bearing ================ One of the other cases, which requires Taqwa and in the society, people have to avoid is tale-bearing and slandering that leads to the destruction of the relations between two persons, two tribes, two communities, or two nations.

It is a blameworthy vice that has been reproached in the Holy Quran: “And yield not to any mean swearer, defamer, going about with slander.” [^1] The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has been reported by Imam Sadiq (AS) and ibn Sinan as saying: “Shall I inform you of the bad people?” They said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” The Holy Prophet (a.s.) said: “Those who go about with slander, those who create division among friends, and those who find fault with those who are faultless.”[^2] The Messenger of Allah (SAW) has been reported by Imam Jawad (AS) as saying: “On my Night Journey, I saw a woman, who had the head of a pig and the body of an ass, being punished with a thousand kinds of torments.” The Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked: “What had she done?” The Holy Prophet said: “She was a talebearer, a slanderer!”[^3] Imam Sadiq (AS) has been reported as having said: “Three groups of people shall not enter Paradise; one who sheds blood, one who drinks wine, and one who goes about with slander.”[^4] It has been related that there was famine among the Israelites.

Prophet Moses (AS) searched for water. It was revealed to him: “I will not respond to the Children of Israel’s prayer, for there is a talebearer among you and he persists in it.” Prophet Moses (AS) said: “O Lord! Who is that person so that I will drive him away?” God said: “O Moses! I forbid you from slandering and you want Me to be a slanderer?!” They all repented and God sent them rain.”[^5] It has been related that a man came to Imam Ali (AS) and criticized someone behind his back.

Imam Ali (AS) said: “O man! I will ask about it! If what you say is the truth, you will be taken to task! If you tell a lie, I will punish you and if you want me to forgive you, I will forgive you!” The man said: “Forgive me O Ameerul Mo’minin!” Imam Hassan (a.s.) has said: “Whoever speaks ill behind a person’s back before you, will surely speak ill behind your back.”[^6] Truly, tale-bearing is a major sin, for it is worse than backbiting and telling lie.

In tale-bearing, there is both lying and backbiting.