Suspicion

A very interesting comment by Moazzem Begg on the Guardian Website following the recent terror raids.

His comments are not limited just to our reactions to sensational journalism by the media, but applies equally to stories we hear about our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters from third persons, i.e. rumors etc.

I remember a very learned scholar once asking serious questions about whether the Muslims of today are Islamic in the way we think. He pointed specifically to notions such as 'there is no smoke without fire'. He unequivocally declared that this is a kafir mentality. He wasn't giving takfir, but went on to explain that this is not the conduct of believing men and women, rather it is a sin.

"O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion, for some suspicions are a sin. Do not spy on one another, nor backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, you would abhor it, [so similarly, avoid backbiting]. And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful." Qur'an, [49:12]

"He does not utter a [single] word, except that there is, with him, [an angel] ready and waiting [to record it]." Qur'an, [50:18]