Hadith #10668

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. Blessings and peace be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the grave sin of talebearing or gossiping. The Arabic word used in the Hadith is (an-namimah) "النَّمِيمَةَ", which refers to spreading malicious or harmful information about others behind their backs. It is important to note that this act is not only condemned in Islam but is also detrimental to our relationship with Allah and our fellow human beings.

To understand the severity of talebearing, let us turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:12):

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 emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions, spying, and backbiting. It compares backbiting to the repulsive act of eating the flesh of one's own brother. Just as we would find such an act abhorrent, we should also detest the act of spreading harmful information about others.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10-12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against spreading false rumors and engaging in slander:

Indeed, those who have brought the false accusation 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'?

These verses highlight the importance of thinking well of one another and not hastily believing or spreading false accusations. Engaging in talebearing not only harms the reputation and relationships of others but also tarnishes our own character and spirituality.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that talebearing

plants [the seed of] rancour.

This means that when we engage in gossip, it sows the seeds of enmity and ill-will among people. It creates divisions and fosters a negative atmosphere within communities. Instead of nurturing unity and love, talebearing fosters animosity and discord.

Moreover, the Hadith states that talebearing

distances one from Allah and the people.

When we indulge in spreading harmful information, we distance ourselves from the mercy and forgiveness of Allah. Our hearts become hardened, and our spiritual connection weakens. Additionally, talebearing also distances us from the people around us. It erodes trust and damages relationships, making it difficult to foster genuine bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can see the profound consequences of talebearing. It not only harms others but also damages our own spirituality and relationships. As Muslims, we are called to uphold the values of honesty, kindness, and unity. We should strive to be people of integrity, avoiding gossip and instead promoting peace and harmony within our communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the sin of talebearing and guide us to be individuals who promote love, understanding, and unity among our fellow Muslims. And may He grant us the wisdom to always think well of others and to refrain from engaging in harmful speech.