Islam as an all-embracing religion and celestial guidance for mankind is perfect and complete. There is no aspect of human endeavour that Islam does not present a comprehensive guidance that would engender peace and harmony if well-embraced.Almighty Allah, the Lord of the worlds, created the tongue and in His fairness encamped it in a cage i.e. cheeks; also sent 32 soldiers to guard and protect it from transgression and even external attack. To crown it all, Allah (SWT) used the upper and the lower lips to wrap it up in order to protect it from being exposed to corruption.In spite of all these security gadgets, man still fails woefully in the proper use of the organ without which mans creation is imperfect. In many verses of the Holy Quran, Allah teaches us the use of our tongues and strictly warns us to guard against its misuse and abuse. Example of such verses is one found in Suratul Anam (Q6:152) where Allah says, And when you talk, say what is real...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.
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