from evil deeds or abandoning that gathering enjoy their talks and are seen laughing aloud. In this way, they also join those who make the honour and respect of Muslims a center of jokes in front of everyone. However, if someone mentions another’s mistake or fault, either in his presence or in his absence, then if there is no Shar’i reason and with the intention of earning rewards in the Hereafter, the honour of that Muslim should be immediately protected and the person who is performing the evil deed should be reprimanded in a proper manner. Otherwise, by considering it bad in the heart, that gathering should be abandoned.

Excellence of safeguarding a Muslim’s honour

The Noblest Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالٰى عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has said: Whoever safeguards the honour of his Muslim brother in his absence, it is upon the mercy of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ to free him from Hell. (Musnad-e-Ahmad, vol. 10, pp. 445, Hadees 27680)

It is stated in another blessed Hadees: Whoever safeguards the honour of his brother in this world, Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ will send an angel on the Day of Judgement who will protect him from Hell. (Mawsu’ah, vol.4, pp. 385, Hadees 105)

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب       صَلَّى اللّٰهُ تَعَالٰى عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Dear Islamic brothers! In general, Muslims in the past had deep fear of Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ, in particular, in the matters of concealing the faults of Muslims and protecting their honour, they used to have a pure mind-set. If someone was backbiting about a Muslim in front of them, or spoke even a little bit ill of him, they immediately cautioned him on that evil deed. Let’s listen to two faith-refreshing parables in this regard.

Advice to a son

Relating his childhood incident, Sayyiduna Shaykh Sa’di رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه has said: At night I was awake busy in prayers and worship and was reciting the Holy Quran. Some people were sleeping around us. I asked my father: None of