Forty Gems of Beauty — Page 106
106 matter of deep regret that many people indulge in this weakness; they hear libellous stories with great relish and give them wide currency, so much so, that they spread like a jungle blaze, destroying in their wake an innocent heart. A slight consideration will show that indulgence in the obscene, libellous, sinful talk is far more destructive of society than actual sinfulness. For it poisons the hearts of the weak-minded and undermines the awe of sinful indulgence. If an act of sinfulness is committed, and its knowledge is limited to two persons, its effect is likewise restricted. But when sin is talked of by many tongues, many a weak-minded youth becomes infected with its bad effect, and slowly the natural fear of sin which is inherent in human nature and is greatly instrumental in restraining evil, loses its grip. It is, therefore, that Islam has not only taken preventive measures against sinful tendencies, but has, at the same time, shut the door to libel and indulgence in stories of sinfulness, and this is the one way of wisdom that leads to national reformation. A closer examination in light of the different aspects of moral conduct and social ethics reveals another great excellence of this Hadith and that it has kept in view in a very charming manner, basic points relating to faith, morals, public peace, economics, the security of the rights of the weak, national survival and manifest evil. For instance, the reference to abstention from Shirk has been listed for the preservation of faith; the unlawfulness of si h r for the elevation of character and cleanliness of habits; “murder without just cause” has been forbidden in the interest of public peace; unlawfulness of usury has been mentioned for economic reform; care of the orphan has been commended for the firm establishment of justice and equity in respect of the treatment of the weak; the warning against turning one’s back in the battlefield is in the interest of national survival, and slander has been made unlawful to bang shut the door on shamelessness. Thus, has our chief, (May peace and blessings of Allah be on him) by this