In Sufism, Sama' (spiritual music and hearing) is a potent but potentially hazardous practice that requires strict ethical and physical discipline. The debate between Abu Amr bin Najid and Abu'l-Qasim Nasrabadi highlights the tension between using Sama' as a harmless alternative to worldly sins (like backbiting) versus demanding absolute self-control. Ibn Najid's assertion that a single unrestrained movement in Sama' is worse than a lifetime of backbiting underscores the principle that uncontrolled emotional or physical outbursts during spiritual sessions can cause severe spiritual harm, making inner and outer self-restraint a prerequisite for safe participation in Sama'.