Page 76 - The Debased Culture of Superficiality

74 THE DEBASED CULTURE OF SUPERFICIALITY

suspicion is a crime. And do not spy and do not backbite
one another. Would any of you like to eat his brother’s
dead flesh? No, you would hate it. And have fear of
Allah. Allah is Ever-Returning, Most Merciful. (Surat al-
Hujurat: 12)
It is described as a disgusting kind of behavior. We are
also told that those who gossip must repent and ask for-
giveness. In the Qur’an, Allah commands that people should
fear Him, especially in their private conversations. Those
with faith should be careful about the subjects they speak
about; they should choose topics that promote goodness and
the fear of Allah:
You who believe! When you confer together secretly, do
not do so in wrongdoing and enmity and disobedience
to the messenger; rather confer together in goodness and
fear of Allah. Have fear of Allah—Him to Whom you
will be gathered. (Surat al-Mujadala: 9)
Shallow people often talk about their physical needs.
These people often say they are hungry or thirsty, that they
have a headache or they have not slept well. Of course, any-
one can express his needs, but those of shallow characters
speak of their needs just for the sake of talking, and to draw
attention to themselves. A Muslim would never lower him-
self to speak of such matters. If he needs anything, he takes
measures to supply it. His mind is not concerned with his
own small needs, but is always filled with thoughts that
exalt Allah and about performing useful deeds in this world
that will be pleasing to Him. In the Qur’an, Allah describes
Muslims in this way: