Fasting helps to clean the body and clear the mind.

Fasting makes one very reflective, hence devotion, praying, reading and listening to all things religious while one is fasting is so beneficial; knowledge sinks into a clear and clean vessel so much better.

Ramadan has just ended and I'm still in a reflective mood from fasting. I was reflecting on how Islam has brought guidance to me and its believers, leaving no stone unturned.

This is what intrigued me about Islam: it had a logical answer for all my questions. Believe me, I was a Doubting Thomas for the most part, so it was no easy feat to convince myself that Islam was the right religion for me.

However, I am pleased with Allah as my God, Islam as my religion and Muhammad (pbuh) as my Prophet, Alhamdulilah! I am for ever grateful for accepting Islam.

The guidance that Allah gives for Muslims to live a successful life here on Earth, as well as to attain paradise in the hereafter, is phenomenal and so simple and easy to follow.

One particular activity that Allah forbids is backbiting or gossip or slander – certainly an ill in society.

The Cambridge Dictionary describes gossip as “casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people, typically involving details that are not confirmed as being true”.

Backbiting is described as “unpleasant and unkind words that are said about someone who is not there”.

I believe that gossip, backbiting and slander stem from idle talk and jealousy, both of which are born in the Devil’s workshop.

Scriptures from both the Bible and the Koran speak about the evils of gossip, backbiting and slander and vehemently discourage such, as they are regarded as one and the same and considered a major sin.

Gossip and backbiting have caused much heartbreak and pain, leaving many serious and devastating consequences.

Abu Huraira reported: “The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, ‘Do you know what backbiting is?’

“They said, ‘Allah and His Messenger know best.’ The Prophet said, ‘To mention your brother in a way he dislikes.’ It was said, ‘What if it is true about him?’ The Prophet said, ‘If what you say about him is true, it is backbiting. If it is not true, it is slander.’” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2589)

Oh, you who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible), for suspicion in some cases is a sin. And spy not on each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? No, you would abhor it … But fear Allah. For Allah is oft-returning, most merciful (Koran 49:11-12).

From the above ayat we see that Allah regards gossip, backbiting and slander as so reprehensible, they are regarded as actual acts of cannibalism.

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “One can greatly beautify himself with two habits – good manners and lengthy silence.”

Indeed these are words of wisdom and we would do well to take heed and live by them for the benefit of this life and the next.

I pray all in Bermuda have a beautiful and blessed weekend and may your week follow suit.

As salaamu alaikum.

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam