Rumour refers to piece of information or a story that people talk about but that may not be true while tale-bearing refers to an exciting description of event by a person to another person which may not completely be true. Both cases are well guided by the Glorious Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet. Almighty Allah (SWT) says, O ye who believe! When a mischief-maker comes to you with a piece of information, confirm (the story before disseminating the information) else you injure some people and you become regretful of what you have said. Q49:6.The above verse rightly guides us not to speak on any story heard or read until we have really confirmed its authenticity and debunked its falsehood. It also informs us that listening to rumour is injurious to the character of the personalities involved.The Holy Prophet (SAW) says: It is not allowed for a Muslim to shed the blood of a brother Muslim, usurp his property or assassinate his character. Therefore, it is considered a great sin in the sight of Allah to speak evil of a person whether in his/her presence or absence.Rumour mongering causes disunity and chaos in the society setting a group of people against another. This at times lead to hatred, malice, rancour, grudges and may eventually result in war. The multiplier effect of rumour mongering cannot be overemphasized and in most cases these effects are usually negative.Rumour mongering destroys homes and causes dissention between loved ones, including already well-established families. Rumour mongering has not only social-economic effect but also spiritual effect. The character of a rumour monger became questionable after it has been confirmed that a person has no other business than to spread rumours.Muslims are enjoined not to be involved in this shameful act and for whatever reason should not join or co-operate with those who engage in it.Islam wants individuals and corporate bodies to work towards ensuring a peaceful society in all our dealing by not encouraging rumour-mongering, publishing rumours until such stories or reports have been genuinely ascertained or broadcast news that are still considered as rumour.Islam preaches peace and harmony both in the home and the society. Rumours when spread before confirmation corrupt the mind and at times lead to public protest and demonstration, thereby causing civil unrest, the consequence of which is lost of lives and properties.Rumour mongers sow the seeds of discord amongst loved ones thereby causing dissention and lasting enmity. Those who do this are most hated by Allah and His Prophet (SAW).Tale bearing means reporting a story which may be untrue to another person or group of persons. Talking about a person in his absence is tantamount to back biting and slander. The Holy Prophet (SAW) warned against both in this hadith, Do you know what back biting means The companions said, Allah and His Prophet know better. The Prophet (SAW) said, discussing your brother in a manner he dislikes. A companion asked, what is Im saying the truth about my brother He (SAW) said, yet you back bite him and if its a lie you have dishonoured him.A tale bearer shuttles between two people or parties listening to this and reporting to that, his evil is cancerous, he destroys the society. The Prophet (SAW) described them as people with double face, they are destined for hell fire. Rumour mongers and tale bearers are twin sisters who need to repent and embrace righteousness.
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