Negative Remarks The Sunday Guardian | December 5, 2010 | Page 14

In the chapter Al- Hujurat (The Apartments), the Quran gives a commandment relating to social ethics: “Believers, let not some men among you ridicule others: it may be that the latter are better than the former: nor should some women laugh at others: it may be that the latter are better than the former: do not defame or be sarcastic to each other, or call each other by (offensive) nicknames. How bad it is to earn an evil reputation after accepting the faith! Those who do not repent are evil doers.” (49:11)

Those negative habits referred to in this verse relate to the use of the tongue. People generally tend to point out other’s weaknesses and, even if there are none, they will try to invent some, and then make negative remarks. Making derogatory remarks is a common habit. Giving a nickname means calling someone by the wrong name. This kind of negative remark worsens the healthy atmosphere of a society. It is like a social pollution. Man is strongly exhorted not to indulge in such practices.

One who used such undesirable language pollutes his own nature, having committed a moral crime by uttering negative words against another. This is a general piece of advice, but it is meant especially for believers, because believers are those who have given a firm commitment to God Almighty.

Such behaviour is tantamount to breaking the solemn pledge they have taken at the time of declaring their belief. It is a fact that to err is human. If anyone indulges in these unwanted practices, he must apologise to the person about whom he has passed a negative remark, and should ask for forgiveness from God Almighty. Repentance is a good as correcting your mistake.