Support IslamQA

Please contribute generously in order to ensure the continuity of our website InshaAllah.

She had some problems after telling her boss about a bad woman at work

18-10-2004

Question 45830

I have a problem at work, which to cut a long story short has to do with some wrong things done by a female colleague, such as forgery, eavesdropping on colleagues’ telephones and tampering with work papers. I asked one of the Islamic websites whether it would be regarded as malicious gossip (nameemah) if I were to tell my boss at work, and they said this is not regarded as malicious gossip, and it is better to tell them in the interests of the work, so long as your intention is for her good. When I did that, I found that the boss listened to me and he promised to set her straight. Then suddenly he transferred me from my job to another job, and launched a war against me that was unbearable, to such an extent that some of my colleagues turned against me, and he encouraged them to cause problems for me. My question now is, what should I do in this jungle, without incurring the wrath of Allaah?.

Answer

Praise be to Allah.

Offering sincere advice to the slaves of Allaah is one of the most important branches of faith and symbols of Islam, to such an extent that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) described it as being the religion itself, as an indication of its great importance. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Religion is sincerity (or sincere advice – naseehah).” (Narrated by Muslim, 55). And Allaah tells us that whoever does this, that is true success. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam), enjoining Al-Ma‘roof (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbidding Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden). And it is they who are the successful”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:104]

So long as you fulfilled your duty of offering sincere advice, and your intention was good, then do not feel sad about the problems that have befallen you (which is a test), for Paradise is the reward of Allaah, and the reward of Allaah is precious and is surrounded with hardships, and everything has a price. 

Remember that everyone who does this great duty will inevitably meet with harm from people, or opposition. Hence Luqmaan the Wise said to his son: 

“O my son! Aqim‑is‑Salaah (perform As‑Salaah), enjoin (on people) Al‑Ma‘roof  (Islamic Monotheism and all that is good), and forbid (people) from Al‑Munkar (i.e. disbelief in the Oneness of Allaah, polytheism of all kinds and all that is evil and bad), and bear with patience whatever befalls you. Verily, these are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allaah with no exemption)”

[Luqmaan 31:17]

Remember that the good end is for the pious (those who fear Allaah), and Allaah will not cause the reward of those who do good to be lost, and He is with those who are patient. So turn to Him and seek His protection, and say Allaah (Alone) is Sufficient for me, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for me). Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 

“Those (i.e. believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, ‘Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.’ But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: ‘Allaah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).’

174. So they returned with grace and bounty from Allaah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allaah. And Allaah is the Owner of great bounty”

[Aal ‘Imraan 3:174-175]

No matter how much they plot against you, their plot will backfire on them. 

“But the evil plot encompasses only him who makes it”

[Faatir 35:43]

So receive the glad tidings of the help and support of Allaah, make a lot of du’aa’ and pray for forgiveness. Remember that the prayer of the one who has been wronged or oppressed is not rejected, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are three whose prayers will undoubtedly be answered: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a traveller, and the prayer of one who has been wronged.” Narrated by Abu Dawood, 1536; al-Tirmidhi, 1905; Ibn Maajah, 3862; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood. 

But we advise you to leave this job and relieve yourself of that in which there is evil and harm, and to move to another place; may Allaah give you someone better than them and give you a trustworthy and kind boss. 

If you cannot move from this place, then try to take a leave of absence for a while until things calm down; Allaah may cause things to change. 

If you can do without this job altogether, and save yourself from all this trouble and heartache and devote your efforts to taking care of your house and children, then this is best, and Allaah will reward you for that with His blessings and compensate you with something better.  

We ask Allaah to relieve your distress and take away your sorrow, and to protect you against the evil of every evil person. 

And Allaah knows best.

Psychological and Social Problems
Show on Islam Q&A website.