Reconstructing Society in the Light of Sūrat al-Ḥujurāt: Protecting Society from Malicious Tongue

Abstract

Muslims are faced with many issues, including the malicious use of the tongue, that challenge their social cohesion. Considering the gravity of this matter, this work explores the path towards social reform by infusing the values of Sūrat al-Ḥujurāt into society leveraging the mechanisms of social reconstruction philosophy. In particular, it analyses verses 11 and 12 of Sūrat al-Ḥujurāt which primarily discuss tongue-related social ills such as backbiting, ridiculing, and name-calling; they also illustrate a process of self-development that can facilitate mutual respect and brotherhood thereby minimizing the likeliness of internal conflicts of the Muslims. This work utilizes a qualitative study, which demonstrates that Sūrat al-Ḥujurāt is instrumental in protecting society from the ills of the tongue.