Engaging in futile talks whilst eating

It is recorded in some Kitaabs that it is Makrooh to remain absolutely silent whilst eating. One should either engage in light-hearted conversations whilst eating or, better yet, to make Shukr to Allah Ta’ala on partaking of every morsel of food. However, one should refrain from Gheebat at all times, and one should not discuss matters of grief and sorrow whilst eating as it may cause others to lose their appetite.

One should also refrain from engaging in futile talks at all times. It is recorded in a narration that a man speaks a word from the displeasure of Allah, not thinking that it will reach where it reached, then Allah Ta’ala will write his displeasure because of it until the day of Qiyaamah. Hadrat Alqama used to say that the Hadith of Bilaal Bin Haarith Radiallahu Anhu (which we quoted above) had prevented him from great deal of speech.

By backbiting we are transferring our good deeds into the account of the person whom we speak ill about. No intelligent person will transfer his savings into another person’s account! Merely thinking of the above will suffice in preventing one from backbiting.