What is namimah? Linguistically, namimah comes from the Arabic word namma, which means “to convey something to another party.” In terms of terminology, namimah is the act of conveying someone’s words to another party with the intention of provoking hostility or hatred between them. Namimah is different from ghibah, even though both are considered major sins. Ghibah is talking about the bad things about someone who is not present, even if the information is true. Namimah, on the other hand, aims to damage relationships between people, even if the information is true, and if the intention is to cause discord, then it is called namimah.
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What is Namimah and Its Explanation in Islam
What namimah is has been clearly explained in the Quran, Surah Al-Qalam verses 10-11, which read, “Do not obey every person who swears and has a despicable personality, likes to criticize, (walks) here and there spreading slander (false news).” This verse warns that the behavior of namimah, spreading slander and sowing discord, is a despicable act.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also warned in his saying, “No one who likes to sow discord will enter Paradise” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).
From Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him), he said: The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by two graves. Then he said, “Indeed, both of them are being punished. They are being punished not for major sins (in their view). One of these two men (during his lifetime) did not guard himself against urinating. The other used to spread slander.“ Then he took a wet palm frond, split it in two, and stuck a piece on each grave. The companions asked, ”O Messenger of Allah, why did you do that?“ He replied, ”So that their punishment may be lightened as long as they do not dry out” (HR. Bukhari and Muslim).
The above hadith illustrates how terrible namimah is. The scholars agree that namimah is a major sin, even the worst of verbal acts. Imam An-Nawawi stated, “Namimah is repeating the words of others with the intention of causing harm. Namimah is the worst of deeds” (Quoted in Fathul Bari by Ibn Hajar).
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The Practice of Namimah in Everyday Life
Although namimah is a grave sin, its practice is often subtly spread throughout our daily lives. For example, when someone hears criticism from A about B, then tells C in a provocative tone, this is an example of namimah.
Another example is when netizens share provocative “opinions” about others without first clarifying the truth of the information being shared, which can cause conflict between groups and even potentially create unrest.
Namimah can also be found when we are stuck in traffic. Motorists bump into each other, blame each other, and cause a commotion without first finding out the main cause of the collision. In family, friendship, or work relationships, namimah can also be found in slanderous statements that create divisions. Hopefully, we will not become actors who engage in namimah.
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What is Namimah in the Current Context
In the current Indonesian context, demonstrations against the government are often accompanied by divisive narratives. For example, Senior Political Analyst and Executive Director of LPI Boni Hargens highlights the potential for provocation (namimah) when parties attempt to divide the people and the authorities through provocative speech or actions.
Provocation or namimah can be found in social media content and during mass actions such as the burning of public facilities or the looting of officials’ homes. The practice of namimah can create horizontal conflicts and even riots that harm many parties physically, emotionally, and socially.
The Prophet Muhammad said, “Would you like me to tell you who the worst among you are? They are those who go around engaging in namimah, destroying the brotherhood of people who love one another and seeking out the faults of others” (HR. Ahmad).
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How to Avoid Namimah in Daily Interactions
Avoiding namimah requires awareness and self-control. Whenever you come across a piece of information, confirm its accuracy first. Avoid spreading rumors about others or false information that could cause conflict. It would be wiser to address any issues directly with the person concerned or the relevant authorities with the intention of building and improving, not creating division.
Immediately stop if you see provocative messages or those that incite hatred in chat groups, social media, or public discussions. Don’t get caught up in the hype and share information with provocative comments. If you hear gossip that provokes conflict, it is better to remain silent or correct it in a wise manner.
Allah says, “O you who believe, if a wicked person comes to you with any news, ascertain the truth, lest you harm people unwittingly and afterward become full of repentance for what you have done” (QS. Al-Hujuraat verse 6).
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Purifying the Heart from Namimah
Purifying the heart from namimah is an important step to prevent the tongue from becoming a source of division. In Islam, preventing sin always begins with the heart, because the tongue only follows what is in the heart. Allah provides guidance through deeds that can purify the soul, one of which is through charity and zakat.
In the Quran, Allah says, “Take alms from their wealth (in order) to purify and cleanse them, and pray for them, for indeed your prayers are a source of tranquility for them. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing” (QS. At-Taubah verse 103). This verse shows that zakat and charity not only purify wealth, but also the heart from envy, jealousy, and hatred, which are the roots of namimah. With a pure heart, a Muslim will find it easier to guard their tongue, avoid spreading slander, and build peace in their social environment.
