Sun 5th May 2019
Lesson 26: Backbiting, Importance of Being good to one’s neighbor, and is Humour allowed?
Hadith 15
- On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day then let him speak good, or keep silent; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day then let him honour his neighbour; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day then let him honour his guest.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim]
- The explanation of this hadith is split into 6 parts
- Recap, we did parts 1-4 during lesson 25:
- Part 1: The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned Iman (belief) in Allah and the Last Day alongside these good deeds
- Part 2: Quotes from the Imams and scholars of the past
- Part 3: What meaning does the word “khair” (Good) carry?
- Part 4: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day then let him honour his neighbour”
Backbiting
- Why is backbiting so repulsive and warned against in Islam?
- What is its definition?
- How did the Salaf treat backbiting?
- Question: What about when trying to describe a person with an adjective?
- Are there any exceptions for backbiting?
Being good to your neighbor
- Hadith of Abu Hurairah [Al-Adab al-Mufrad, declared Hasan by Imam Al-Albani]
- The narration of the man who was harmed by his neighbour
Joking and Humour
- Generally speaking, the rule is to say what is good or to keep silent?
- Is it allowed for a Muslim to engage in banter and humour? Are there limitations?
- Why do people joke?
- 1. For relaxation
- 2. To make others happy or lighten their spirits/mood
- Examples from the Sunnah
- How would the Prophet (ﷺ) smile?, what were his habits when laughing?, what wouldn’t he do when laughing?
- Examples from the companions (may Allah be pleased with them all)
- a
Q&A:
- What is An-Nameema (Gossiping, tale-carrying)? Is it worse than backbiting?
- How should one rectify backbiting?