Shahīd Shahriyārī was seriously intent on avoiding the commitment of any sin. If someone wanted to [commit the sin of] backbiting and would say, for example, “Did you hear what happened to so and so?” and would give the name of the person [thus sealing the sin], Shahīd Shahriyārī would say, “Ah yes, we had a good down pouring of rain yesterday.” He would not afford anyone the opportunity to backbite. If he was in a gathering wherein he could not prevent the occurrence of backbiting, he would make his excuses and leave. His caution in this regard caused others to be cognizant of what it is that they were saying and not to give expression to just any thought that came to their minds in the presence of Professor Shahriyārī.