Paying for Frivolous Discourse?

Human beings are created by God, the Creator, for a certain purpose. That purpose is “worshiping God alone”, which means obeying Him in all situations. And if they are aware of that purpose, then they will avoid doing things that only meet their own needs.  God says: “O mankind, worship your Lord Who created you and those who lived before you, so that you might remain conscious of Him” (2:21). But if they spend a lot of time for that, which is not consistent with that purpose, then this is not acceptable. And if they are conscious of God then they will always remember God’s saying: “Indeed God enjoins justice and excellence in behaviour and deeds), and to be generous to kinsfolk; and He forbids lewdness, and abomination and oppressive attitudes. He exhorts you, so that you may be mindful” (16: 90).

Let us reflect on this verse of the Qur’an: “And among people THERE IS HE WHO PAYS FOR FRIVOLOUS DISCOURSE to lead others astray from the Way of God without knowledge, and take it in mockery. For such there will be a humiliating punishment. And when Our signs (ayat) are recited to such (a one) he turns away disdainfully as though he never heard them, as though there were a deafness in his ears. So give him tidings of a painful chastisement” (31:6-7).

At the time of the Prophet (God’s blessings upon him) the

Qur’an was revealed in portions, that is why we see many ayat (verses) narrating the reactions of people, which is very useful for our reflection.

Even today some people prefer to fill their time by making up, telling or listening to unfounded stories, which are of no benefit, just for the purpose of “killing” time. They even do it by “paying” with their wealth and energy. They do not realize that time is among the greatest bounties God has given human beings. Secondly, human beings are gifted with their capabilities, power and awareness, which they can use to elevate their standard of life. As a third grace, which is indispensable as a guide for them, they have the Qur’an and the Prophet’s teachings. Those who want to have a successful life and also have success in the Hereafter, should use all three gifts together, so that they may reach their goal positively.

God says: “And those who strive for Our sake, We shall assuredly guide them in Our ways, and truly God is with the virtuous” (29:69).

And what is worse than “killing” one’s time, is alluring others to kill theirs with all kinds of diversions, in order to encourage them to disregard their real duties, disregard what God enjoins, and disregard what God forbids. And the most blameable, is that some of them ridicule God’s guidance. And to mock God’s guidance is very dangerous, as God reminds us in His admonition: “God will requite them for their mockery, and will leave them for a while in their overweening arrogance, bewildered” (2:15).

In any case, the “frivolous discourse” leads to loss in the life of this world and in the life to come. One should be mindful in his talk and the way he uses his minutes, his hours and his lifespan. Talk should only be used for correct and useful purposes.

Addressing the believers, the Qur’an says: “O you who have attained to faith! Remain conscious of God, and (always) speak with a true and just utterance” (33:70). And again:

“O you who have attained to faith! Why do you say what you do not do. It is severely hateful in God’s sight that you say what you do not do” (61:2-3).

The Prophet (God’s blessings upon him) said: “Whoever believes in God and in the Hereafter should either speak good words or keep quiet” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). He even often warns people from backbiting, talking calumny and slandering.

Abu Hurairah narrated: One day the Messenger of God (God’s blessings upon him) asked his companions: “ Do you know what backbiting is? “ They replied: Allah and His Messenger know best. He said: “It is saying something about your brother which he dislikes”. Someone asked: Supposing that what I said about my brother was true? The Messenger of God said: “ If what you say about him is true you have backbitten him and if it is not true you have slandered him“ (Muslim’s Collection of Hadith).

The teaching of this Hadith helps keep real brotherhood, good relationships and mutual solidarity between people.

There is no doubt that the speech of a person translates the expression of his mind, his intellect, his emotion or his belief. Thus, while uttering his speech one should be cautious of what could be the consequence of it. The Qur’an is very clear in this matter:  for any word uttered by a person, there is a sentinel recording it. If one has a bad intention or bad thoughts caused either by his intellect, his emotion or his belief, which is not yet put into action or uttered, he may be forgiven by God; but as soon as it comes into action or into uttered words, then it is immediately recorded by the watcher (an angel specially sent for that purpose): “ Not even a word can he uttered but there is a watcher with him, ever-present “  (50:18). If a person has a good intention, in word or action, but could not realize it for a reason out of his control, then he will be rewarded with one point of credit; and if he realizes it he will get ten points.

God says: “Whoever brings a good deed (by action or word), shall receive tenfold the like of it, and whoever brings an evil deed (by action or word) shall only be requited the like of it; and they shall not be wronged “ (6: 160).