Don't Underestimate Gossip! Here's the Story of Someone with Bad Prejudice against Beggars

Dream - Gossiping or backbiting is forbidden in Islam. Such behavior is still commonly found in daily life. Some people are aware of it, while others are not because they are used to it.

Gossiping itself should not be underestimated. Especially considering the severe sins behind this act. Through gossiping, besides being hated by Allah SWT, it can also erase the reward of a person's good deeds.

If interpreted, gossiping means talking bad about others, exposing their flaws, or finding someone's mistakes. Regarding gossiping, there is a story about someone who has bad prejudice against others. So, what consequences did he face?

Here is the story as summarized by Dream from various sources.

Not Allowed to Have Bad Prejudice, Let Alone Gossip

This story is about someone who has bad prejudice against a beggar. One day, Junaid ibn Muhammad saw a beggar on the street. Then in his heart, he said:

"This person is still strong. If he looks for a job instead of begging, it would be better."

When he went home and slept, suddenly he dreamed of someone bringing the beggar's corpse in front of him and saying:

"Eat his flesh because you have gossiped about him."

The dream shocked Junaid ibn Muhammad. Even though it was just a thought that crossed his mind and was not told to anyone. In the dream, it was said that you do not deserve to think like that. Allah has introduced you to His greatness. So, why did you turn away? Why did you gossip in your heart?

Through this story, it reminds us that having prejudice against others that is not told to anyone is not allowed. Let alone gossiping or backbiting. It is certainly prohibited and hated by Allah SWT.

Evidence about Having Bad Prejudice

Here are some evidence about having bad prejudice towards others:

Surah Al-Hujurat Verse 12

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيمٌ

Meaning: "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." (Surah Al-Hujurat: 12)

Surah Al-Hujurat Verse 6

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوا أَن تُصِيبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِينَ

Meaning: "O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful." (Surah Al-Hujurat: 6)

Baihaqi and Ibn Majah Hadith

"Allah SWT has forbidden shedding the blood and taking the wealth of the Muslim community, as well as having bad prejudice against them." (Narrated by Baihaqi and Ibn Majah)

Hadith Baihaqi and Ibn Majah

"Allah SWT forbids (the shedding of) blood and (the taking of) the wealth of the Muslim community, and having bad thoughts about them." (HR.Baihaqi and Ibn Majah)