A reflection on Surah Al-Qasas 28:55 - how the righteous respond when harmful speech is happening around them.
Backbiting rarely happens alone - it happens in conversation, and staying silent while it continues can be its own quiet participation. We remind our students at Darus Saulieghien Quraan Academy that even listening shapes the heart over time.
Walking Away With Dignity
Allah (SWT) describes how the righteous respond to vain or harmful talk:
وَإِذَا سَمِعُوا۟ ٱللَّغْوَ أَعْرَضُوا۟ عَنْهُ وَقَالُوا۟ لَنَآ أَعْمَـٰلُنَا وَلَكُمْ أَعْمَـٰلُكُمْ سَلَـٰمٌ عَلَيْكُمْ لَا نَبْتَغِى ٱلْجَـٰهِلِينَ ٥٥
"And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, 'For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.'" (Surah Al-Qasas 28:55)
This is not self-righteousness - it is a graceful refusal to take part in harm, without shaming anyone in the process.
What Staying Does to the Heart
Allah (SWT) also warns in Surah Al-An'am (6:68) that remaining knowingly in the presence of harmful speech, even without joining in, can quietly desensitise the heart over time. We become what we tolerate.
The Prophet (SAW) said: "Whoever sees an evil, let him change it with his hand. If he cannot, then with his tongue. If he cannot, then with his heart - and that is the weakest of faith." (Sahih Muslim 49) Even a quiet redirection or a gentle exit counts as resistance.
A Small, Practical Habit
We encourage our students to have a simple, prepared response ready, a change of subject, a gentle reminder, for the moments they find themselves in this position.
May Allah (SWT) grant our students the courage to protect others' honour, even when it is easier to stay silent. Ameen.