A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
Private discourse (al-najwa).
Private discourse is the act of whispering to one another in conversation.
It is derived from the word al-najw.
This refers to a concealed place.
A place where one who is hiding can escape from those seeking him.
Thus, those who engage in private discourse conceal themselves from other people.
They do so to hide from them matters they are plotting among themselves.
Most of this occurs in the context of evil or matters that hold no benefit.
For this reason, Allah the Exalted forbade private discourse, saying:
"Have you not seen those who were forbidden from private discourse, yet they return to what they were forbidden from?"
"And they conspire in sin, transgression, and disobedience to the Messenger."
Private discourse is forbidden because it is a behavior that establishes pockets of division within the Muslim community.
Such groups plan and arrange matters hidden from the rest of the community.
This stirs suspicion and doubt in the hearts of the rest of the believing community.
This leads to the fragmentation of the Muslim community.
And the erosion of security and stability within it.
Indeed, the Sharia has forbidden private discourse even at the level of limited individuals.
The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
"Two people must not whisper to each other to the exclusion of a third."
Agreed upon.
In another narration, there is the addition: "For that would cause him grief."
Narrated by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih.
This is in accordance with the saying of Allah the Exalted:
“Lo! Conspiracy is only of the devil, that he may vex those who believe; but he can harm them not at all unless by Allah's leave. In Allah let believers put their trust.” (58:10)
“Lo! Conspiracy is only of the devil, that he may vex those who believe; but he can harm them not at all unless by Allah's leave. In Allah let believers put their trust.” (58:10)