BACKBITING

God. After all, the main objective of the

revelation is to establish the representa-

tion of God on earth. Its aim is to build

an exemplary society and the ideal indi-

vidual, based on the principle that Mus-

lim society as a whole is one integral

structure and the individual is its build-

ing block. In order to establish a strong

and healthy nation in which individuals

form its overall shape, each individual

as a basic unit needs to be healthy and

strong. In order to achieve this strong,

just and healthy nation, Islam intro-

duces to its followers a very strict

scheme of discipline, which has been

very powerful and influential in enforcing

a firm code of behaviour. This system of

discipline speaks to the conscience of the

Muslim; it speaks to the heart and the

mind at the same time. For this reason

Islam was able to guide its followers to

obey its rules and code of conduct, as

this will apparently result in the found-

ing of the ideal nation that can truly

represent God’s will on earth and

implement his law. Following this dis-

ciplinary programme, backbiting is con-

sidered a major sin and violation that

believers should avoid, as a vicious disease

that threatens the unity and the healthy

ties that hold the nation together. Islam

is deeply concerned about social justice

and fairness because God is fair and he

hates unfairness. His orders are aligned

with this principle. He clearly prohibited

such actions that may do someone

injustice, stating: ‘O my servants, I

declared that injustice is prohibited

upon myself, so you do not do injustice

on each other.’ Backbiting is a form of

injustice and as such is prohibited.