Page 46 - Character Types of the Unbelievers

CHARACTER-TYPES OF THE UNBELIEVERS
Usually, among the more important topics talked in these gath-
erings is either gossip or what happened on the last episode of a tel-
evision soap opera, or sharing recipes.
However, if the same meeting were composed of individuals

that feared Allah, and were making their preparations for the
Afterlife, then their conversation would instead be edifying and
good for everyone. Believers are commanded in the Qur’an to re-
frain from idle talk, and non-productive activities, but to spend
every moment towards doing something useful and thinking about
how they may be helpful to others. This is emphasized in the fol-
lowing verses:

[T]hose who turn away from worthless talk. (Surat al-
Muminun, 3)
[T]hose who do not bear false witness and who, when they
pass by worthless talk, pass by with dignity. (Surat al-
Furqan, 72)
When they hear worthless talk they turn away from it and
say, “We have our actions and you have your actions. Peace
be upon you. We do not desire the company of the igno-
rant.” (Surat al-Qasas, 55)

Idly Watching Television

A great part of a housewife’s life in a society of ignorance is
spent in front of the television. But, it is not only they who enjoy this
habit; their husbands and children also spend hours watching tele-
vision, it being one of the favorite forms of entertainment of a soci-
ety of ignorance. However, what they watch is most often of no

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