Eavesdropping on People Who Do Not Want to be Heard

Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): ". . . And spy not (on one another) . . " [al-Hujuraat 49:12].

Ibn 'Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: "Whoever listens to people's conversations without their permission will have molten lead poured into his ears on the Day of Resurrection . . ." (Reported by al-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer, 11/248-249; see also Saheeh al-Jaami', 6004).

If this person then goes and tells others of the conversation he overheard in order to cause trouble for them, then his sin of spying is compounded by another sin, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "The eavesdropper will not enter Paradise." (Reported by al-Bukhaari, see Fath al-Baari, 10/472).