The Brook | Poem 5 |English 8th | Tulip Series | (Alfred Tennyson)

 

The Brook | Poem 5 |English 8th | Tulip Series |

(Alfred Tennyson)                                                          

INTRODUCTION

“The Brook” is a poem written by Alfred Lord Tennyson, a famous British poet, in 1830. It is a nature poem that describes a brook as it flows through different landscapes and faces various obstacles.

SUMMARY OF THE POEM “BROOK”

The brook starts its journey as a small stream and gradually grows in size as it moves through fields, valleys, and hills. The brook is described as a constant, flowing force that never stops; even when it faces difficulties such as rocks, trees, and obstacles in its path.The poem is written in a conversational tone, as if the speaker is talking to the brook, asking it about its journey and experiences. The brook is personified and given human-like qualities, making it an interesting and relatable subject for the reader. The poem highlights the idea that nature is a continuous and ever-flowing force that can never be stopped, no matter what obstacles it faces. The brook represents the cycle of life, with its constant movement and changes, and the idea that change is a natural part of life.

In short, “The Brook” is a beautiful and meaningful poem that provides an insight into the power of nature and the idea that change is a constant force in life. It is a great example of how poetry can be used to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature and its role in our lives.

GLOSSARY

• Haunts of coot and hern - homes of water birds • Sudden sally - sudden burst of activity • Bicker down a valley - fast, splashing descent • Thorps - small villages • Philip’s farm - a specific farm owned by Philip • Brimming river - a full, overflowing river • Stony ways - rocky paths • Eddying bays - swirling areas of water • Fairy foreland - shaped like a fairy’s head • Willow-weed and mallow - plants found near water • Grayling - a type of fish • Foamy flake - piece of foam • Silver water-break - line of silver in breaking water • Hazel covers - hazel trees along the banks • Sweet forget-me-nots - wildflowers associated with love • Netted sunbeam - a beam of light caught and spread like a net • Brambly wildernesses - overgrown with thorny shrubs • Shingly bars - areas covered in small stones • Cresses - water plants.

THINKING ABOUT THE POEM

Q1. Who is “I” referred to as in the poem?

Ans.  In the poem, “I” refers to a brook or stream. The brook is personified as it describes its journey from its source to its destination, flowing forever and describing its journey along the way.

Q2. Trace the journey of the brook.

Ans. The brook starts from the habitat of coot and heron. Itswiftly flows through valleys, past thirty hills, twenty towns, and half a hundred bridges. It finally joins a brimming river.🏔️🏞️

Q3. Explain the following lines:

“For men may come and men may go

But I go on forever.”

What purpose do these lines serve?

Ans. These lines from the poem "The Brook" by Alfred Tennyson talk about two important things:

1. Life is Short: The poem compares human life to a flowing brook. The line "For men may come and men may go" tells us that people's lives are temporary, like how they come and go.

2. The Brook Keeps Going: On the other hand, the line "But I go on forever" means that the brook keeps flowing continuously.

Q4. Alliteration is the repetition of the initial consonant sounds in verse such as “I slip, I slide, I gloom, I glance”. Pick out more examples of alliteration from the poem.

Ans. Some examples of alliteration used in the poem are:

• "I come from haunts of coot and hern"
• "I bicker down a valley"
• "Till last by Philip's farm I flow"
• "I chatter over stony ways"
• "In little sharps and trebles"
• "With many a curve my banks I fret"
• "And many a fairy foreland set"
• "I chatter, chatter, as I flow"
• "I wind about, and in and out"
• "I slip, I slide, I gloom, I glance"

Q5. Can the journey of the brook, be compared to human life? How?

Ans. Journey of the Brook and Human Life: Yes, the journey of the brook in the poem can be compared to human life in many ways. The brook travels through various landscapes, encountering obstacles and obstacles, yet always continuing on its path. This journey symbolizes the journey of life, in which people encounter ups and downs, but continue on despite the challenges they face. The idea that the brook goes on forever also symbolizes the idea that life continues even after death.

LANGUAGE WORK

Sound Images:

• "I bicker down a valley" (the sound of the brook running down the valley)
• "I chatter over stony ways" (the sound of the brook running over stones)
• "I babble on the pebbles" (the sound of the brook babbling over pebbles)
• "I bubble into eddying bays" (the sound of the brook bubbling into swirling pools of water)
•  "I chatter, chatter, as I flow" (the sound of the brook making a continuous, chattering sound)
• "With many a silver water-break" (the sound of the brook breaking into silver ripples as it flows)
• "I murmur under moon and stars" (the soft sound of the brook as it flows under the moon and stars)
•  "I linger by my shingly bars" (the sound of the brook lingering slowly near the shingly bars on its banks).

Visual Images:

• "By thirty hills" (image of the brook flowing down hills)
                       
• "And many a fairy foreland set" (image of the brook flowing through a magical landscape)

                            

• "With here a blossom sailing" (image of the brook carrying flowers along its journey)

           

• "I make the netted sunbeam dance" (image of the brook reflecting light)

• "I linger by my shingly bars" (image of the brook lingering by the shore)
  

  
  
  
  
• "I move the sweet forget-me-nots" (image of the brook moving past forget-me-nots)
  

  
  
  
  
• "I slip by lawns and grassy plots" (image of the brook slipping through grassy areas)
  
  
  
• "I loiter round my cresses" (image of the brook lingering near the plants)
  

  
  
  
  

Kindly watch the video here: https://youtu.be/GvVbD1mIuuM

Class 8th - English : Prose - Lesson 6 - Julius Caesar (Tales from Shakespeare by Charles & Mary Lamb)

 

SUMMARY

Julius Caesar was a famous soldier and leader in ancient Rome, known for his conquests and admired by his people as a national hero. However, a group of senators led by Brutus, who was a close friend of Caesar, became concerned about his growing power and ambition. They feared that it would harm Rome and decided that the only way to prevent this was to kill Caesar. Cassius, who was Brutus's brother-in-law, began to poison Brutus's mind against Caesar, convincing him that Caesar's ambition needed to be curbed. On the day of Caesar's planned speech at the Capitol, Brutus and the other conspirators met secretly in the middle of the night to discuss their plans. They decided that Caesar should be killed, but that Mark Antony should be spared. The next day, Caesar's wife, Calpurnia, had a dream that warned of danger and begged him not to go to the Capitol. But Decius, a member of the conspirators, convinced Caesar to ignore his wife's fears and go to the Capitol. When Caesar arrived, the conspirators surrounded him and one by one, they stabbed him. As Caesar lay dying, he saw that even his closest friend Brutus had betrayed him, and he cried out in despair, "You too, Brutus? Then fall, Caesar!". The killing of Caesar was a shock to the Roman people, who had loved and admired him, and led to a year-long war between Caesar's supporters and the conspirators, ultimately resulting in the deaths of the conspirators.

Working with the Text
Why did a certain party of Romans wish to kill Julius Caesar?
Ans: A certain party of Romans wished to kill Julius Caesar because they saw him as a dictator who was increasing his power and ambition, which they feared would lead to the end of the Republic and the rise of an authoritarian ruler.
Why did Calpurnia beg Caesar not to go to the Capitol?
Ans: Calpurnia begged Caesar not to go to the Capitol because she had a dream that he would be killed there. She pleaded with him to stay home, but Caesar did not listen.
What two reasons did Anthony give to show that Caesar was not ambitious?
Ans: The two reasons that Anthony gave to show that Caesar was not ambitious were: a) Caesar was always kind and generous to the poor, feeling great love and pity for them. b) Anthony had offered the kingly crown to Caesar three times which he had refused.
Why did Brutus decide to march from Sardis to Philippi?
Ans: Brutus decided to march from Sardis to Philippi in an attempt to defeat Octavius and Mark Anthony. However, this decision turned out to be a mistake as Octavius and Mark Anthony had the upper hand with their strong defensive position and well-rested army.
Why has Brutus been called ‘the noblest Roman of them all’?
Ans: Brutus planned to overthrow Caesar for the benefit of the people. He had no personal motives, only concern for the good of Rome. This is why he is known as the "noblest Roman" of them all.
 
Language Work
Read the following sentence:
Meals will be served outside on the terrace, weather permitting. But we cannot say: ‘meals will be served outside on the terrace, weather allowing because permitting collocates with weather and allowing does not.
Collocation: Collocation is the combination of words that frequently appear together in a language. It refers to the natural way certain words are often used together. Here are  examples of collocation:
Strong coffee - a particularly potent cup of coffee.
Break the news - informing someone of something important.
Make a difference - the impact or change that something has.
Take a break - pausing or stopping something.
Catch a cold - becoming ill with a cold.
Close a deal - finalizing a business transaction.
Have a good time - enjoying oneself.
Put up with - tolerating something.
Get away - leaving or escaping from a place or situation.
Make a mistake - committing an error. Rain or shine - Regardless of the weather conditions, something will happen or continue as planned.
Kick off - To start or begin something, often used in reference to a sports game or event.
Take a seat - To sit down and take a place to sit.
Give up - To stop trying or give up on something.
Make up - To reconcile or to create something.
Show off - To display or demonstrate something in a boastful or arrogant way.
Cut out - To remove something or exclude it.
Think over - To consider something carefully before making a decision.
Get on - To board a vehicle or to have a good relationship with someone.
Come by - To visit or drop in.
Put on - To wear or add something.
Go off - To stop functioning or explode.
Break down - To malfunction or to become emotionally upset.
Take in - To absorb or understand something.
Keep up - To maintain a pace or to continue something.
Turn up - To increase the volume or arrive somewhere.
Set up - To prepare or establish something.
Come up - To happen or occur.
Fill in - To complete or provide information.
Put out - To extinguish or to stop something from happening.
Make out - To kiss or to understand something with difficulty.
Carry on - To continue or persist.
Put through - To connect or to process something.
Take off - To depart or remove something.
Hold on - To wait or to grip something tightly.
Cut off - To disconnect or to sever something.
Pick up - To lift or to gain momentum.
Put away - To store or to put something in its proper place.
Make an effort - To try hard or exert oneself.
Have a chat - To have a conversation.
Put on a show - To perform or to display something in an entertaining way.
Catch a glimpse - To see something quickly or briefly.
Close a window - To shut or cover a window.
Make a wish - To express a desire or hope for something.
Take a walk - To go for a leisurely stroll.
Get a haircut - To have one's hair cut.
Make a promise - To commit to doing something.
Take a nap - To sleep for a short period of time.
Put on a brave face - To act bravely or to hide one's true feelings.
Catch a train - To board a train.
Close a book - To finish reading or to shut a book.
Have a blast - To have a great time.
Put up a tent - To set up a tent.
Get a job - To obtain employment.
Make a sandwich - To prepare a sandwich.
Take a shower - To wash oneself with water.
Put on a concert - To perform music for an audience.

Example: work - a career Example: wide - open Example: well - aware Example: great - success Example: vitally - important Example: business - deal Example: public - opinion Example: environment - sustainability Example: personal - development Example: financial - stability Example: professional - career Example: political - agenda Example: social - change Example: moral - responsibility

1.Now match the words on the left with the words on right to form common collocations. 
1. work                               a. success
2. wide                               b. ethic 
3. well                                 c. aware
4. great                              d. important
5. vitally                              e. open
        
Ans.  1 – b; 2 – e; 3 – c; 4 – a; 5 – d.  
 
Grammar Work
State which of the following sentences are compound and which are complex. Then divide each sentence into its respective clauses: 
 
Ans.
1. God made the country and manmade the town. (compound)
   God made the country
   Man made the town
2. He tried hard but he did not succeed. (compound)
    He tried hard
    he did not succeed
3. I’m the child of the ocean and this is my lot. (compound)
    I’m the child of the ocean
    this is my lot
4. He tames animals because he is fond of them (complex)
    He tames animals
    because he is fond of them
5. Though I had not seen Nora since she was a small baby, we were soon friends.       (complex)
   Though I had not seen Nora since she was a small baby
   we were soon friends
6. About half of the humanity relies on the freshwater that accumulates in mountainous       regions like the Himalayas. (complex)
About half of the humanity relies on the freshwater
that accumulates in mountainous regions like the Himalayas
7.These things are beyond all understanding and I do fear them. (compound)
  These things are beyond all understanding
  I do fear them
8. When the sun shines immediately after rainfall, it looks very pleasant. (complex)
   When the sun shines immediately after rainfall
   it looks very pleasant
9. Unless Rustum is killed, our armies can never hope to see victory. (complex)
   Unless Rustum is killed
   our armies can never hope to see victory
10. He was so poor that he and his wife had to remain hungry for days together. (complex)
     He was so poor
     that he and his wife had to remain hungry for days together
        
Now, complete the following by supplying a suitable clause:
1. God made the country and ________
2. ________ but he did not succeed.
3.  I’m the child of the ocean ________
4. ________ because he is fond of them.
5. Though I had not seen Nora since she was a small baby ________ 
6. About half of the humanity relies on the freshwater ________
7.  These things are beyond all understanding and I do fear them. 
8.  ________, it looks very pleasant. 
9.  Unless Rustum is killed, ________
10. He was so poor ________

For God’s Sake, Hold Thy Tongue

 

For God’s Sake, Hold Thy Tongue (Abridged & Edited )

 "Woe to every (kind of) scandal-monger and backbiter." (Qur’an, Chapter: 104, Verse: 1)

 

"The similitude of a person who indulges in backbiting is to a man who has eaten the flesh of his dead brother." (Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Sahih Muslim)

 

"O Allah! I seek refuge in thee from the evil of ears, eyes, heart and tongue." (Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Tirmizi)

 

"For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body." (Bible, James 3:2)

 

"Freedom from fear, purity of heart, perseverance. in (pursuit of) knowledge... freedom from the habit of backbiting, compassion for (all) beings, freedom from avarice... are his who is born to god-like endowments." (The Gita, Chapter XVI)

 

"The slanderer carries the great burden of sins, without payment he carries loads." (Guru Granth Sahib, 372)

 

"From the tongue issues the good and also the bad. There is nothing better than a good tongue and nothing worse than an evil one." (Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie)

 

"Give not thy tongue too great liberty, lest it take thee prisoner. A word unspoken is like the sword in the scabbard, thine. If vented, thy word is in another's hand. If thou desire to be held wise, be so wise as to hold thy tongue." (Quarles)

 

"My God, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking deceit. Be my soul silent to those who reproach me, be my soul humble to all as the dust." (Ameen)

SUMMARY

The lesson "For God's Sake, Hold Thy Tongue" highlights the negative effects of backbiting, or speaking ill of others behind their backs. The Qur'an, Bible, Gita, Guru Granth Sahib, and teachings of Lord Buddha and Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie all denounce backbiting and advocate for right speech. The Prophet Muhammad said that the person who indulges in backbiting is like someone who eats the flesh of their dead brother. The lesson emphasizes the power of the tongue to do good or harm and encourages individuals to control their tongue and refrain from scandal-mongering and backbiting. A prayer is suggested for recitation, asking God to guard the tongue from evil and lips from speaking deceit, and to be silent to those who reproach. The lesson reminds us to be mindful of our speech in order to avoid the negative effects of backbiting on both ourselves and others.

GLOSSARY 

References	Meaning
Aayat	Holy verse
Sahih Muslim	Authentic collection of Hadiths
Hazrat	Honorable
Ibni Hameed (RA)	Son of Hameed (RA), A companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Tirmizi	A collection of Hadiths
Guru Granth Sahib	The holy scripture of Sikhs
Eightfold Path	The path to enlightenment in Buddhism
Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie	Jewish spiritual leader
Quarles	An English poet and playwright
Ameen	A word used to seek blessings or agreement in Islamic prayers

 

Word	Meaning
prevalent	phaili hui
adverse	nuksan pahunchane wala
backbiting	chugli karna
highlighted	zahir kiya gaya
religious	din ke mutabiq
non-religious	din se mutaliq na hona
evil	Burai
admonishes	saza deta hai
scandal-monger	chugli karne wala
backbiter	chugli karne wala
vices	burai
PBUH	peace be upon him
similitude	misal
indulges	sharik ho jata hai
prayer	dua
reciting	tilawat karna
denounces	manhga karta hai
stumble	ghabraana
perfect man	kamil mard
bridle	Lagam kasna
purity	safaai
perseverance	sabar
compassion	rahm
avarice	hirs
ostentation	dikhawa
pride	ghuroor
demoniac	shaitani
slanderer	bohtan baaz
sins	gunaah
Eightfold Path	Ashtang Marg
servant	khidmatgar
evil tongue	buri zuban
disciples	shagird
soft	narm
hard	Sakht
conversation	baat cheet
Quarles	Quarles
liberty	Azadi
Prisoner	Qaidi
unspoken	Ankaha
Sword	talwar
Scabbard	Talwar ki niyam
Vented	nikala hua
Deceit	Dhoka
humble	haleem

Word	Meaning
Backbiting	Belittling of character behind one’s backs
Aayat	Holy verse
Qur’an	Islamic holy book
PBUH	Peace Be Upon Him (used after the name of Prophet Muhammad)
Sahih Muslim	A collection of Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad)
Hazrat	A title of respect
Ibni Hameed (RA)	A companion of Prophet Muhammad
Tirmizi	A collection of Hadith
Gita	A Hindu scripture
Guru Granth Sahib	A holy book of Sikhism
Lord Buddha	The founder of Buddhism
Eightfold Path	A path to enlightenment in Buddhism
Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie	A Jewish Rabbi
Quarles	A poet and playwright
Similitude	Comparison or similarity
Admonishes	Warns or advises against something
Scandal-monger	Someone who spreads rumors or negative information about others
Belittling	Demeaning or diminishing the importance of someone
Motives	Reasons or intentions behind an action
Denounces	Condemns or disapproves of something
Bible	A collection of religious texts in Christianity
Guru Granth Sahib	A holy book of Sikhism
Slanderer	Someone who speaks negatively about others
Ostentation	Showing off or displaying wealth or status in a boastful manner
Avarice	Excessive greed or desire for wealth
Lord Buddha	The founder of Buddhism

 

WORKING WITH TEXT

Q1. What do the Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet (PBUH) tell us on backbiting and scandal-mongering?

Ans. The Qur'an strongly condemns backbiting and scandal-mongering in the strongest terms. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also warned that those who indulge in backbiting are like a person who has eaten the flesh of his dead brother.

Q2. What do the Gita and the Bible tell us on backbiting?

Ans. The Bible says that anyone who does not stumble in what he says is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body. The Gita also states that freedom from the habit of backbiting is one of the god-like endowments.

Q3. What do the Granth Sahib and Lord Buddha tell us on backbiting?

Ans. The Guru Granth Sahib says that the slanderer carries the great burden of sins. Lord Buddha's Eightfold Path emphasizes the importance of living a life based on right speech.

Q4. Why did the servant of Rabbi Simeon bring tongues both the times?

Ans. The servant of Rabbi Simeon brought tongues both times because the Rabbi had asked for something good and something bad, and the servant believed that the tongue was capable of both good and bad speech.

Q5. Why did Rabbi Simeon invite his disciples for a meal?

Ans. Rabbi Simeon invited his disciples for a meal to demonstrate the importance of using a soft tongue in conversation and to choose good speech over bad speech.

Q6. What according to you is the moral of the lesson?

Ans. The moral of the lesson is that backbiting and scandal-mongering are evils that have negative effects on both the person speaking and the person being spoken about. It is important to guard our tongue and use it for good, rather than spreading negativity and malice.

Q7. How does our tongue do good or bad to others?

Ans. Our tongue has the power to do good or evil to others through the words we speak. The way we use our tongue can either build up or tear down others, so it is important to be mindful of the words we say and the impact they may have on others.

LANGUAGE WORK

Add the correct ending to each of the following words and say what each person does or is connected with:

Ans.

Word	Derivative	Definition
Govern	Governor	One who governs a state or province
Cater	Caterer	One who provides food or drink for a social or business function
Translate	Translator	One who translates text from one language to another
Novel	Novelist	One who writes novels
Tour	Tourist	One who undertakes a journey to see a place
Politics	Politician	One who takes part in political activities
Decorate	Decorator	One who decorates houses or buildings
Art	Artist	One who creates art
Economics	Economist	One who studies or works in the field of economics
Drama	Dramatist	One who writes plays or dramas
Cricket	Cricketer	One who plays the sport of cricket
Engine	Engineer	One who designs, builds or maintains engines or machinery
History	Historian	One who studies or writes about history
Mountain	Mountaineer	One who climbs mountains
Donate	Donor	One who gives money or goods to a cause or organization
Grammar	Grammarian	One who studies or has expertise in grammar
Auction	Auctioneer	One who conducts auctions
Science	Scientist	One who studies or works in a scientific field
Teach	Teacher	One who teaches in a classroom or educational setting
Electricity	Electrician	One who works with electricity, such as installing or repairing electrical systems
Physics	Physicist	One who studies or works in the field of physics
Write	Writer	One who writes, such as novels, articles, or scripts
Speak	Speaker	One who delivers a speech or presentation
Win	Winner	One who comes in first place or achieves success
Mathematics	Mathematician	One who studies or works in the field of mathematics

GRAMMAR WORK

Complete each sentence with an adverb. The first letters of each adverb are given.

1.  We didn’t go out because it was raining heavily.

2.  Our team lost the game because we played badly.

3.  I had little difficulty finding a place to live. I found a flat easily.

4.  We had to wait for a long time, but we didn’t complain. We waited patiently.

5.  Nobody knew Atif was coming to see us. He arrived unexpectedly.

6.  Zeeshan keeps fit by playing tennis regularly.

7.  I don’t speak Punjabi very well, but I can understand it perfectly if spoken slowly and clearly.

Put in the correct word.

1.     Two people are seriously injured in the accident. (Serious / seriously)

2.     The driver of the car had serious injuries. (Serious / seriously)

3.     I think you behaved very selfishly. (Selfish / selfishly)

4.     Razia is terribly upset about losing her job. (Terrible / terribly)

5.     There was a sudden change in the weather. (Sudden / suddenly)

6.     Everybody at the marriage party was colourfully dressed. (Colourful / colourfully)

7.     Aslam speaks English fluently. (Fluent / fluently)

8.     Ved Sir fell and hurt himself quite badly. (Bad / badly)

9.     Hafeez didn’t do well at school because he was taught badly. (Bad / badly)

10.  Don’t go up that ladder. It doesn't look safe. (Safe / safely)

EXTRA ASSESSMENT ITEMS FOR TEACHERS

1. What is the main topic of the text? a) The importance of backbiting b) The evil effects of backbiting c) The dangers of using the tongue d) The consequences of scandal-mongering
2. According to the text, what does the Qur'an say about backbiting? a) It is a minor offense b) It is a necessary act c) It is strongly condemned d) It is not mentioned
3. What is the similitude of a person who indulges in backbiting according to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)? a) A person who eats the flesh of his dead brother b) A person who is always truthful c) A person who is always kind d) A person who is always helpful
4. What does the Bible say about backbiting? a) It is not mentioned b) It is a minor offense c) It is a necessary act d) We all stumble in many ways, and if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body.
5. According to the Gita, what are the characteristics of a person born to god-like endowments? a) Freedom from fear, purity of heart, perseverance in pursuit of knowledge, freedom from the habit of backbiting, compassion for all beings, freedom from avarice b) Freedom from fear, freedom from the habit of backbiting, compassion for all beings, freedom from avarice c) Freedom from fear, freedom from the habit of backbiting, compassion for all beings d) Freedom from fear, freedom from the habit of backbiting
6. What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about slanderers? a) They are the great burden of sins, without payment they carry loads b) They are highly respected c) They are not mentioned d) They are rewarded for their actions
7. According to Lord Buddha, what is necessary for living a life based on right speech? a) Following the Eightfold Path b) Practicing meditation c) Reading religious texts d) Following the Five Precepts
8. What did Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie say to his servant about the tongue? a) "Go to the market and buy me something good to eat" b) "Go to the market and buy me something that is not good" c) "The tongue is not important" d) "The tongue is only for speaking truth"
9.  According to Quarles, what should one do to be held wise? a) Speak truth always b) Speak only when necessary c) Speak frequently d) Hold thy tongue
10.  What should one recite to guard against the malice of scandal-mongering and backbiting? a) "My God, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking deceit. Be my soul silent to those who reproach me, be my soul humble to all as the dust. Ameen!" b) "My God, guide me to speak truth always. Be my soul strong against those who reproach me, be my soul proud to all as the leader. Ameen!" c) "My God, give me the power to backbite. Be my soul loud to those who reproach me, be my soul arrogant to all as the powerful. Amen!" d) "My God, protect me from backbiting. Be my soul silent to those who reproach me, be my soul humble to all as the dust. Ameen!
11. What does the Qur'an say about backbiting? a) It is a minor sin b) It is a major sin c) It is not mentioned in the Qur'an d) It is encouraged
12.  According to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), what is the similitude of a person who indulges in backbiting? a) A person who has eaten the flesh of his dead brother b) A person who has committed a minor sin c) A person who has committed a major sin d) A person who is forgiven by God
13. What does the Bible say about backbiting? a) It is a minor sin b) It is a major sin c) It is not mentioned in the Bible d) It is encouraged
14.  What does the Gita say about backbiting? a) It is a minor sin b) It is a major sin c) It is not mentioned in the Gita d) It is discouraged
15. What does the Guru Granth Sahib say about backbiting? a) It is a minor sin b) It is a major sin c) It is not mentioned in the Guru Granth Sahib d) It is discouraged
16.   What does Lord Buddha say about backbiting? a) It is a minor sin b) It is a major sin c) It is not mentioned in Lord Buddha's teachings d) It is discouraged
17. What does Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie say about the tongue? a) The tongue is a good thing b) The tongue is a bad thing c) The tongue is both good and bad d) The tongue is not mentioned in Rabbi Simeon Ben Gamalie's teachings
18. According to Quarles, what should one do with their tongue? a) Give it great liberty b) Hold it prisoner c) Speak deceit d) Use it wisely
19. What prayer should one recite to refrain from backbiting? a) My God, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking deceit b) My God, forgive me for backbiting c) My God, guide me to be a better person d) My God, bless my tongue with goodness
20.  How should one act towards those who reproach them? a) Retaliate with harsh words b) Speak deceit c) Remain silent d) Be humble as the dust.

Fill in the blank:

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) compared a person who indulges in backbiting to a man who has __________.

True or False:

All religions in the world denounce backbiting.