Hadith #8267

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "يَسيرُ الغيبَةِ إفْكٌ۔" This can be translated into English as,

Even a little slander is calumny.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The word (ghibah) "غيبة" in Arabic refers to backbiting or speaking ill of someone in their absence. It involves discussing their faults, weaknesses, or spreading rumors about them. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes that even a small amount of slander is considered (ifk) "إفْكٌ", which means falsehood or calumny. This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims that engaging in any form of backbiting, regardless of its magnitude, is a grave sin.

The Quran provides clear guidance on the prohibition of backbiting. In Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.

This verse highlights the severity of backbiting and compares it to consuming the flesh of a deceased person, an act that is universally abhorred. It reminds Muslims to refrain from making negative assumptions about others and to avoid engaging in backbiting.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10-12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) condemns those who engage in backbiting and spreading rumors. He says,

Indeed, those who came with falsehood are a group among you. Do not think it bad for you; rather, it is good for you. For every person among them is what [punishment] he has earned from the sin, and he who took upon himself the greater portion thereof - for him is a great punishment. Why, when you heard it, did not the believing men and believing women think good of one another and say, 'This is an obvious falsehood'?

This Quranic passage highlights the importance of maintaining a positive perception of one another and rejecting false accusations. It encourages Muslims to support and defend each other against slander and false rumors. By doing so, we uphold the principles of justice, unity, and brotherhood within the Muslim community.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of backbiting. Even a small amount of slander can lead to the spread of falsehood and damage the reputation and honor of individuals. It creates division, mistrust, and animosity among Muslims. Moreover, engaging in backbiting contradicts the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of guarding one's tongue and speaking only what is good and beneficial.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we should strive to cultivate a culture of respect, empathy, and kindness within our communities. We must be cautious of our words and refrain from participating in or encouraging backbiting. Instead, we should focus on building each other up, offering sincere advice, and resolving conflicts through open and honest communication.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to follow the teachings of the Quran and the noble example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). May He grant us the strength to refrain from backbiting and to promote unity and harmony among Muslims. Ameen.