Quranic Answer
Freeing oneself from people's baseless words is a concern many individuals face throughout their lives. This issue not only deprives one of mental peace but can also become an obstacle to progress and staying on the right path. The Holy Quran, as a source of guidance and light, offers profound and comprehensive solutions to address this challenge, helping us to stand firm against waves of unfounded speech and unjust judgments with a confident heart and a tranquil spirit. Firstly, the Quran places great emphasis on relying on Allah and trusting in Him. When a person is certain that everything that happens is by divine knowledge and will, and that Allah is their best helper and supporter, they will no longer worry about people's gossip and criticism. In Surah At-Talaq, verse 3, Allah says: "And whoever relies upon Allah – He is sufficient for him." This verse assures us that if our reliance is on the Creator, no power, including the verbal power of individuals, can inflict serious harm upon us. Secondly, patience and forbearance are crucial. The life of a believer is accompanied by trials and difficulties, one of which is encountering unpleasant and unjust remarks. The Quran repeatedly advises patience, considering it the key to resolving many problems. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, we read: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." Patience in the face of ignorant and slanderous tongues means ignoring them and focusing on the correct goal and path. This patience creates an inner strength that protects an individual from the destructive effects of others' words. Furthermore, the Quran advises believers to pass by the ignorant with dignity and calm when encountering them. In Surah Al-Furqan, verse 63, it states: "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth humbly, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [only], 'Peace.'" This manner of interaction not only helps one avoid engaging in fruitless disputes but also prevents one from falling into the vortex of negative energy resulting from baseless words. Another important aspect is avoiding curiosity and pursuing rumors. The Quran strongly prohibits spying and suspicion, stating: "O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other." (Al-Hujurat, verse 12). This Quranic injunction applies to both the speaker and the listener of baseless words. When we ourselves refrain from spreading and pursuing rumors, we create a healthier environment for ourselves and others, and we are less exposed to undue judgments. Moreover, these verses teach us not to attach importance to unverified statements and not to judge based on them. Many people's words stem from suspicion, envy, or lack of knowledge, and are not worth our attention. Instead of focusing on what people say, we should concentrate on our own actions and intentions. Our accountability is to Allah, not to people. The Quran states: "Say, [O Muhammad], 'Shall we inform you of the greatest losers as to [their] deeds? [They are] those whose effort is lost in worldly life, while they think that they are doing good in work.'" (Al-Kahf, verses 103-104). These verses indicate that what truly matters is what Allah accepts from us and rewards based on our sincere intentions. If our intentions are good and our actions are righteous, people's words hold no significance. Strengthening faith, fulfilling obligations, and avoiding prohibitions make us individuals who cannot be shaken by superficial and ignorant judgments from others. Finally, it must be remembered that truth always prevails, and falsehood, no matter how loud it may initially seem, will ultimately perish. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 81, Allah says: "And say, 'Truth has come, and falsehood has vanished. Indeed, falsehood is [by nature] bound to vanish.'" With this perspective, we can confidently free ourselves from people's baseless words and lead a life full of peace and purpose.
Related Verses
وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَالِغُ أَمْرِهِ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا
And whoever relies upon Allah - He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.
At-Talaq : 3
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ
O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.
Al-Baqarah : 153
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيمٌ
O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.
Al-Hujurat : 12
Short Story
Once upon a time, in a distant city, there lived a wise and virtuous man whose people were very fond of gossip and rumor-mongering. Whenever this man did something or spoke a word, one group would praise him, while another would criticize him, even if his actions were good and his words full of wisdom. One of his disciples, disheartened by this constant talk, approached the master and said, "O Master, how is it that people always speak new things about you, and sometimes these words hurt one's heart?" The master smiled and said, "My son, have you ever seen two ducks flying, carrying a frog on a stick?" The disciple replied, "Yes, Master." The master continued, "The frog, due to its nosiness and open mouth, let go of the stick and fell to the ground. The story of people and their words is similar. If you open your mouth in response to every word and react to it, you will trap yourself. But if you remain indifferent to baseless words, like a crow whose caw causes no harm to the skies, you can continue on your path peacefully. A person's worth lies in their inner self, not in what others say. If your heart is pure and your intention good, what harm can baseless tongues do?" The disciple was gladdened by this wise saying and learned that the path to freedom lies in inner peace and disregard for the clamor of the world.