Let us pause here for a while and elaborate on some points:
– To deliberately bring the faults of others into one’s heart is also ghíbat. That is point number one.
– Point number two is that looking at others’ faults has with it an attitude of contempt for them. Contempt for others is also harám.
– Point number three is finer and more subtle. What is the haqq of the heart? The haqq of the heart – its special privilege – is to be connected to Alláh Ta’álá permanently, with the awareness of Him being hádhir-nádhir. This being the case, why has the heart deviated for that little while to involve itself with the thought of ghairulláh? To be involved with ghairulláh is the direct opposite of ta’alluq-m’Alláh.
– Point number four: If this thought was not ikhtiyárí, why was there no repugnance at the thought? Why was there neither contriteness nor discomfort? This shows that at that moment the ta’alluq-m’Alláh was absent.
We are still speaking in general terms. These points are for our benefit. However, the condition of people is such that any attempt to make others leave this habit of ghíbat is difficult. Tell a person involved in spying and carrying tales that it is wrong, that it is against the commands in the Qur’án Sharíf. So, why involve yourself for nothing in such activity? What is his response? In his arrogance he is prepared to go further. “Wáh! I will even go up to him and tell him to his face!” Daring and rash! Persons involved in ziná will be ashamed of their actions. Any normal person will come away shame-faced, regretful of his weakness, contrite. This is taubah. Somebody involved in ghíbat, on the contrary, is neither ashamed, nor regretful. Instead of being contrite he is more daring! And – if he has some Dín in him – he will even try to justify his sin by saying: “I am doing this for his isláh,” Or stating: “I am saying this to save you from the person’s evil!” These are just excuses. There is justification only if there is some connection between the parties or if there is an isláhí ta’alluq. These are the different aspects of ghíbat.
For Friends Vol 1 Pg 38
