Advice to colleagues in the workplace who are engaged in backbiting and mockery
Machine translationRead the Arabic original
Question:
The questioner says: I work in one of the government departments. Last week, there were some young men in the office—may Allah guide them and us—who speak words that are not befitting Muslims. The people of good are targeted by some, and the colleagues make fun of each other by imitating each other's speech, their way of life, and other things that the space does not allow me to mention. I always advise them, but they do not listen. I asked the authorities to transfer me from this office, but they refused. The direct manager in the office knows what is happening in the office, but he is content with this situation. So what should I do, and is there a sin on me? I ask for your guidance. May Allah reward you with good? What did you say?
Answer:
You should continue with the advice, directing them to good, and be glad of good, if Allah wills, because if Allah guides one man through you, do not despair. Continue advising him, speaking kindly. If what they are talking about is wrong, such as backbiting—everyone is talking about backbiting—or mocking each other, advise them about this, and be patient with the harm in that, until Allah makes a way out and an exit, until Allah guides them through your hand, or until you are transferred from there. Do not despair, do not despair. Be glad of good, if Allah wills, and you are on the right path. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sahih Muslim 1893a, and Allah the Exalted says: [An-Nahl 16:125]. So if you are with a group whose laughter is much, and whose talk is much of backbiting, talebearing, or mockery, advise them, advise them, and strive in that. Say, "O my brothers, such and such," and "O my brothers, such and such." Backbiting is not permissible, cursing is not permissible, and mockery is not permissible. Advise them often, and speak good, and be patient with the excuses. Be patient, and walk in good, if Allah wills, and Allah will guide them. We ask Allah for guidance for us and for them. May Allah reward you.
The questioner says: I work in one of the government departments. Last week, there were some young men in the office—may Allah guide them and us—who speak words that are not befitting Muslims. The people of good are targeted by some, and the colleagues make fun of each other by imitating each other's speech, their way of life, and other things that the space does not allow me to mention. I always advise them, but they do not listen. I asked the authorities to transfer me from this office, but they refused. The direct manager in the office knows what is happening in the office, but he is content with this situation. So what should I do, and is there a sin on me? I ask for your guidance. May Allah reward you with good? What did you say?
Answer:
You should continue with the advice, directing them to good, and be glad of good, if Allah wills, because if Allah guides one man through you, do not despair. Continue advising him, speaking kindly. If what they are talking about is wrong, such as backbiting—everyone is talking about backbiting—or mocking each other, advise them about this, and be patient with the harm in that, until Allah makes a way out and an exit, until Allah guides them through your hand, or until you are transferred from there. Do not despair, do not despair. Be glad of good, if Allah wills, and you are on the right path. The Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
One who guides to something good has a reward similar to that of its doer.
مَنْ دَلَّ عَلَى خَيْرٍ فَلَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِ فَاعِلِهِInvite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in
ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ وَجَادِلْهُم بِالَّتِي
Source
فتاوى الحج 1410 هـ - 7 — archive.org (52:35)
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.
