Way of The Seekers — Page 78
78 THE 31 Faultfinding: It differs from slander, which is to talk about someone’s faults or vices before people with intent to humiliate him. Faultfinding on the other hand, consists in reporting slanderous talk to its object, thus causing trouble between the parties concerned. 32 Casting aspersions or spreading calumnies. 33 To belittle with a view to humiliate someone before others. 34 To call a person names: Giving uncomplimentary or derogatory epithets as is common in our country. 35 Satire: Pungent jokes which disgrace and humiliate other persons. 36 Making faces: A vice common among women and the young. 37 Conspiring to harm others. 38 Sadism. 39 Violent anger: that is to say overt or expressed anger. 40 Vindictiveness: To exceed the limit in revenge. 41 Offering bribes. 42 Taking bribes. 43 Usury: To lend money on interest. These are some of the major vices which have to do with other human beings. Now I shall mention vices which relate to beings other than human. 1. To use things which emit obnoxious and nasty odors. The Holy Prophet (peace be on him) has warned that eating food which is ill-smelling or obnoxious repels the angels. They are shy of visiting a person who is ill-smelling. 2. Keeping pet dogs without purpose: The Holy Prophet (on whom be peace) has said that angels do not enter homes where dogs are kept. Vices relating to lower animals are: