Avoid Futile Actions to Prevent Spiritual Bankruptcy, Says Islamic Scholar

Many individuals, after work, engage in idle chatter and gossip at coffee shops, discussing others' lives with careless words and laughter. This habit of talking about others, focusing on their weaknesses in appearance, wealth, or education, is deemed a futile and sinful activity that yields no benefit. Gathering for such conversations is considered a waste of time and money spent on refreshments.

Ustaz Alwi Muda, Secretary of the Pahang Mosque and Surau Takmir Teachers Association, stated that recounting others' affairs incurs sin without any reward. He cited Al-Imam Hasan Al-Basri, who advised that a sign of God turning away from a servant is when that servant becomes preoccupied with futile matters. Even those who are devout in prayer, charity, fasting, and Quranic recitation may not attain true piety if they continue to engage in pointless activities.

This is supported by a Hadith from Prophet Muhammad, narrated by At-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah, which states that one cannot achieve the status of piety until they abandon useless matters for fear of falling into futility. Furthermore, envy, the discomfort of seeing others blessed and hoping for their blessings to disappear, should also be shunned. The Prophet Muhammad also warned, "Beware of envy, for it consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood."

Ustaz Alwi urged Muslims to change their ways by abandoning futile actions that contradict God's commands. Instead, they should fill their lives with various good deeds. He added that backbiting and gossip only increase sins and damage human relationships. The Prophet Muhammad also said,...