A TALE CARRIER SHOULD NOT BE RELIED ON

Hadhrat Hassan Basri (R.A) says that when a person carries a tale to you, then remember that he will certainly carry tales about you to others. Therefore, you should never believe anyone who speaks ill of others.

A person once spoke ill of another to Hadhrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (R.A). The khalifa said, "If you are lying, then the following verse will apply to you viz. 'Oh you who believe, if a sinner brings any news to you, then verify it.' However, if you are truthful, then the following verse will apply to you viz. 'The one who reviles and carries tales.' (i.e. Your word cannot be relied on).