Musa Kâzım GÜLÇÜR
Foreword
This short essay is a humble reflection on a powerful verse from the Qur’an (Al-Hujurat 49:12), which offers timeless guidance on preserving human dignity through the rejection of suspicion, prying, and backbiting. In a time when reputations are often harmed by careless words or the invasion of privacy, this Qur’anic command speaks to the deep moral responsibilities we carry toward one another. Rooted in Islamic tradition yet universal in its ethical implications, the text invites readers to cultivate a culture of respect, discretion, and goodwill.
Summary
The essay explores three fundamental ethical prohibitions mentioned in Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12: avoiding negative assumptions about others, refraining from prying into private affairs, and rejecting backbiting. It distinguishes between good and bad assumptions (husn al-zann vs. su’ al-zann), emphasizes the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty,’ and presents prophetic sayings that reinforce respect for others’ dignity and privacy. The text concludes that these teachings promote a compassionate and morally upright society.
Essay
Introduction
The Qur’an calls upon believers to avoid unfounded suspicion, fault-finding, and speaking ill of others:
“O you who believe! Avoid much suspicion—for indeed, some suspicion is sin. And do not spy, nor backbite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would surely abhor it. So fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.” (Al-Hujurat 49:12)
This verse outlines three major moral prohibitions:
1. Refrain from entertaining negative assumptions about others.
2. Avoid prying into others’ private lives.
3. Do not speak ill of people behind their backs—that is, do not gossip.
Let us reflect on these three essential ethical principles, one by one.
1. Assuming the Best of Others
In Islamic ethics, there are two contrasting forms of assumption: husn al-zann (assuming the best) and su’ al-zann (assuming the worst). Believers are encouraged to maintain a positive view of others unless definitive proof suggests otherwise. This principle reflects the legal presumption of innocence.
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) warned: “Avoid suspicion, for suspicion is the most false of speech.” (Bukhari, Adab, 57–58).
2. Avoiding Prying and Intrusion
Respecting others’ privacy is a core Islamic value. The Qur’anic term tajassus implies seeking hidden information. The Prophet (pbuh) warned: “Do not harm the Muslims, nor seek out their private faults. For whoever exposes the faults of a fellow believer, Allah will expose theirs—even in their homes.” (Tirmidhi, Birr, 85).
Instead of exposing others, we are encouraged to protect and conceal their weaknesses: “Whoever covers the faults of a fellow Muslim, Allah will cover his faults on the Day of Judgment.” (Ibn Maja, Hadith 2547).
3. Guarding Against Backbiting
Backbiting (ghibah) is likened to eating the flesh of one’s dead brother. When the Companions asked whether mentioning a true fault counted as backbiting, the Prophet (pbuh) affirmed it did: “If what you say about your brother is true, you have backbitten him. And if it is not true, you have slandered him.” (Muslim, Birr, 70).
Furthermore, remaining silent in the face of gossip is also blameworthy. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever defends the honor of their brother or sister in their absence, Allah will protect them from the Fire.” (Musnad Ahmad, 6/461).
Conclusion
Surah Al-Hujurat 49:12 offers a framework for ethical social conduct grounded in dignity and respect. Avoiding suspicion, protecting privacy, and refraining from gossip is essential for nurturing a just and compassionate society.
SELAM 