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One should forsake indecency,
immorality and wrangling, as spoken of in the Quran.
Indecency is a general term, covering all nonsensical,
foul and obscene language, and flirtation and dalliance
with the opposite sex, as well as discussion of sexual
intercourse and its preliminaries.
Such talk excites the urge to
unlawful intercourse. Incitement to what is forbidden is
itself forbidden. Immorality is another general term,
covering all departures from obedience to God, Great and
Glorious is He.
Wrangling is excessive quarrelling
and argument, causing ill-will, distracting from noble
purpose, and being incompatible with good character. As
Sufyan, one of the Prophet's Companions, said:
"Indecent behavior vitiates one's pilgrimage."
Prophet Muhammad set decent speech
on a par with providing food as a cause of blessedness
in the greater pilgrimage, and quarrelling is
incompatible with decent speech.
One should therefore refrain from
raising frequent objections against one's fellow
traveler. Rather, one should take things gently,
sheltering others beneath one's wing along the way to
the House of God, Great and Glorious is He.
Good conduct is essential, and good
conduct means putting up with painful things rather than
trying to repel them.
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