Shaykh Husayn al-Awaaishah
Gossip and Its Adverse Effects on the Muslim Community
© 1997 Dar Ibn Hazm
http://islaam.com//Article.aspx?id=233
If any of us hear gossip about one of our brothers, we are enjoined to oppose it, and correct the speaker- gently, politely, and with wisdom. This is in accordance with the various ways of changing a bad deed which were described by the Messenger of Allah (SAAS) 1, which we should try to do to the best of our ability. The least of these is opposing the wrong deed in our hearts, which in this case should make us leave the gathering where the gossip is taking place.

Let us think about the words of Allah (SWT):

"When you see men engaged in vain discourse about Our Signs, turn away from them unless they turn to a different theme. If Satan ever makes you forget, then after recollection, do not sit in the company of those who do wrong." [al-An'am 6:68]

Let those who relish gossip beware! The Messenger of Allah (SAAS) ordered those who hear gossip to reject it, but they are accepting it with pleasure! Woe to you! Are you not thinking about where you will end up? It is as if you think you were created only for fooling about and committing sins! For your Lord's sake tell me: are you Muslims?!

Footnotes:
1. The Hadith reads: "Whoever of you sees an evil deed should change it with his hand [by acting], or if he cannot do that, then with his tongue [by speaking out], or if he cannot do that, then with his heart - and that is the weakest of faith." Reported byMuslim (Kitab al-lman, No. 49).