Guard your tongue during Ramadan, Cleric counsels Muslims

The Imam of the Area 10, Garki Juma’at Mosque, Abuja, Sheik Yahya Al-Yolawi, has admonished Muslims to shun gossiping and backbiting as the Holy Month of Ramadan approaches.

Al-Yolawi gave the admonition during the Juma’at prayers in a sermon entitled: “Ramadan and Your Tongue’’.

He said that fasting during Ramadan had the capacity to overcome evil and earn the pleasure of Allah, but could be vitiated through the careless use of the tongue.

“Ramadan is a month that provides Muslims with the sense of happiness and spiritual growth; in which Allah grants us the ability to change ourselves to be among His good servants.

“ Unfortunately, there are some acts which people indulge in but are not viewed as bad in many of our gatherings; like telling lies, backbiting, slandering, gossiping and cursing,’’ he said.

Al-Yolawi described the act of gossip, backbiting and slander as major sins which could vitiate a Muslim’s fast

“Gossiping, backbiting and slandering are some of the major sins, yet they are some of the main reasons for a meet-up with friends.

“ Let us break this awful habits, and use this forthcoming Ramadan as an opportunity to control our tongues, ask for forgiveness and change our characters for the better,’’ he said.

The Imam compared the gravity of gossiping to the consumption of a human flesh.

“Oh you, who believe, do not spy or gossip about each other.

“Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead, that is the gravity of sin that gossiping about your fellow human being attracts?

“Our tongue deserves imprisonment most of the time, especially during Ramadan; always think before you talk because words of goodness reflect what is in your heart, same with sinful or evil words.