God says
Thus, indeed, have We given in this Qur’an many facets to every kind of lesson [designed] for [the benefit of] mankind. However, man is, above all else, given to contention: for what is there to keep people from attaining to faith now that guidance has come unto them, and from asking their Sustainer to forgive them their sins – unless it be [their wish] that the fate of the [sinful] people of ancient times should befall them [as well], or that the [ultimate] suffering should befall them in the hereafter? -- Q.18: 54, 55
O you who have attained to faith! If any wicked person comes to you with a [slanderous] tale, use your discernment,* lest you hurt people unwittingly and afterwards be filled with remorse for what you have done. -- Q.49: 6
*I.e., verify the truth before giving credence to any such report or rumour. The tale-bearer is characterized as “wicked” because the very act of spreading unsubstantiated rumours affecting the reputation of other persons constitutes a spiritual offense.
O you who have attained to faith! Avoid most guesswork [about one another] -- for, behold, some of [such] guesswork is [in itself] a sin; and do not spy upon one another, nor allow yourselves to speak ill of one another behind your backs. … Q.49: 12
Prophet said
1. “Dispute between two is destructive”- H: Abu Daud and Tirmizi. N: Abu Dardaa.
2. “Whoever forsakes his brother (Muslim) for a year is like one who sheds his blood.” – H: Abu Daud. N: Abul Kherash as-Solami.
3.“The worst of the servants of God are those who roam with slanderers, who create differences among the pious.” -- H: Ahmad and Baihaqi. N: ‘Abdur Rahman-b-Ganam.
