guilty on the basis of suspicion or hearsay, without sufficient evidence to prove his guilt. Delving into the secrets of others is also disallowed, for this can be extremely embarrassing if not downright injurious. Imagine how we ourselves would feel if all our secrets were exposed. Should we not, therefore, wish the same for others as we wish for ourselves? Then the making of damaging remarks about another, when he is not there to defend himself, is deemed a cowardly act of injustice, and, as such, to be eschewed at all costs.
The only way in which these social ills may be eradicated is for people to live in fear of God. It is only if they are ever conscious that God is watching, over them, and will call them to account for all their actions in the Hereafter, that they will acquire the qualities that make for a good, healthy society. Their state of awareness will act as a rein on any excesses they may feel inclined to commit and will restrain them from doing any injustice to their fellow men. Here are a few sayings of the Prophet which throw some light on the teachings of Islam on particular aspects of
social living:
“One is not a true believer until one wishes for one’s brother what one wishes for oneself.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 13 )
“There are three things belonging to a Muslim, which for all Muslims should remain inviolate: his blood, his property and his honour.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2564) “A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand other
Muslims are safe.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 10)
“The believers, in their warmth consideration and compassion for one another, should be like a single body. When there is a complaint in one limb of the body, then the whole body is aroused, and the fever felt throughout it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6011)
“A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim: he neither oppresses his brother, nor does he leave him in the lurch. Whoever helps his brother can count on the help of God,
