The Danger of Ghibah and Guarding the Tongue in the Digital Age

Respected congregation, may Allah bestow His mercy upon us. Let us constantly increase the quality of our taqwa (piety) to Allah by fulfilling all His commands and avoiding all His prohibitions. In this modern era, technological advancements have transformed how humans interact, including how we speak and convey information.

From this noble pulpit, let us reflect once again upon one of the greatest blessings Allah has granted humanity: the tongue. The tongue is an extraordinary gift, yet it also harbors immense potential danger if not properly guarded, especially amidst the current flow of digital information.

First Khutbah

Beloved Friday congregation, Islam is a religion that highly upholds noble character. One of the main foundations in building a true Muslim personality is a person's ability to control their tongue. A guarded tongue brings peace, while a tongue left unchecked brings destruction and hostility to society.

In the past, ghibah (backbiting)—talking about the flaws of others—typically occurred verbally in gatherings. Today, however, in the age of social media, ghibah has transformed into a broader and more massive form. Our fingers now act as an extension of our tongue. Writing negative comments, spreading the faults of fellow Muslims, or sharing unverified news in WhatsApp groups and on social media is essentially digital-era backbiting.

Allah has firmly warned us in the Qur'an to always stay away from negative assumptions and the act of backbiting. Allah equates this deed to something extremely repulsive to human common sense.

يٰٓاَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ اٰمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوْا كَثِيْرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّۖ اِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ اِثْمٌ وَّلَا تَجَسَّسُوْا وَلَا يَغْتَبْ بَّعْضُكُمْ بَعْضًاۗ اَيُحِبُّ اَحَدُكُمْ اَنْ يَّأْكُلَ لَحْمَ اَخِيْهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوْهُۗ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ ۗاِنَّ اللّٰهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيْمٌ ﴿١٢﴾

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

Qur'an, Surah Al-Hujuraat [49]: 12 (Sahih International)

This noble verse provides a very clear depiction of how despicable the act of backbiting is in the sight of Allah. Talking about the flaws of a fellow believer is likened to eating the flesh of one's dead brother. It is a parable that should make us tremble and abandon the urge every time the desire to belittle others crosses our minds.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also consistently reminded his ummah (community) of the importance of safeguarding the safety of the tongue. In a well-known hadith, he linked a person's faith to their ability to guard their tongue from vain and hurtful speech.

Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him speak good or remain silent.

Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim

This hadith provides practical guidance for every Muslim in daily life, including social media activities. Before we type a comment, upload a status, or forward information, we should weigh it first: will this writing bring benefit, or will it instead become a source of sin for which we will be held accountable before Allah?

Happy Friday congregation, the danger of the tongue does not stop at backbiting, but also extends to spreading false news or hoaxes, slander, and hate speech. Understanding the ruling on backbiting and slander in Islam is essential so that we do not get trapped in a continuous cycle of finger sins that flow even after our bodies are gone.

Therefore, let us make this Friday momentum a time for self-reflection (muhasabah). Let us cleanse our hearts from envy and jealousy, which often become the root of ghibah. When we see virtues in our brother, we should pray for blessings upon him. And when we see shortcomings, it is enough for us to cover them up or pray for goodness, rather than spreading them to destroy his honor.

Second Khutbah

All praise is due to Allah, who continually bestows His mercy and guidance upon us all. May peace and blessings be upon our master, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, his Companions, and his followers who remain steadfast until the end of time.

Respected Muslims, as a closing to today's khutbah, let us take several important points to practice in our daily lives:

1. Realizing that every word uttered and every keystroke shared in cyberspace is recorded by the angels Raqib and Atid and will be accounted for in the hereafter.
2. Accustoming ourselves to think ten times before sharing information on social media, verifying its truth, and ensuring it does not harm other parties.
3. Increasing remembrance of Allah (dhikr), reading the Qur'an, and filling our time with beneficial matters so that our tongues and fingers are spared from backbiting and vain deeds.

Let us bow our heads, seeking forgiveness and help from Allah.

O Allah, forgive our sins, the sins of our parents, and the sins of all Muslims, both living and deceased. O Allah, protect our tongues and fingers from speech and writing that brings Your wrath. Make us among Your servants who consistently safeguard the honor of our brothers.

O Allah, bestow peace, security, and blessings upon our beloved country, Indonesia. Grant our leaders the guidance to always act justly and faithfully in carrying out their duties.

Our Lord, give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire. May Allah exalt the mention of our master Muhammad, and his family and all his Companions. And all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

Conclusion

Thus concludes this brief Friday khutbah. May it be beneficial for us all, fortifying us against sins of the tongue, and making us wiser individuals in the digital era.