Hadith #9380

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

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The habit of vile people is ugly slander [and backbiting].

This Hadith highlights the reprehensible nature of slander and backbiting, emphasizing that such behavior is characteristic of lowly individuals.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. The Arabic word "عادَةُ" refers to a habit or a customary practice. "اللِّئامِ" refers to vile or lowly people, while "قُبْحُ" means ugliness or repulsiveness. Lastly, "الوَقيعَةِ" refers to slander or backbiting.

The Quran provides clear guidance on the prohibition of slander and backbiting. 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 highlights the gravity of backbiting by comparing it to consuming the flesh of one's deceased brother, an act that is inherently repulsive. Just as we would find the idea of eating the flesh of a loved one abhorrent, we should also find the act of backbiting equally repugnant.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:58-59), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Indeed, those who abuse believing men and believing women undeservedly - they bear upon themselves the slander and manifest sin. O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.

These verses emphasize the importance of guarding our tongues and refraining from slandering or abusing others. They also highlight the need for modesty and maintaining proper conduct in order to prevent the occurrence of slander and abuse.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the negative consequences of engaging in slander and backbiting. Such behavior not only tarnishes one's own character but also creates divisions and animosity within the community. It erodes trust and unity, leading to a breakdown in relationships and the spread of ill-will among Muslims.

Moreover, the habit of slander and backbiting reflects a lack of self-control and a weakness in one's character. It demonstrates a disregard for the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of kindness, respect, and sincerity in our interactions with others.

As Muslims, we should strive to follow the example of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and adhere to the teachings of the Quran. We should refrain from engaging in slander and backbiting, and instead focus on building a community based on love, compassion, and understanding. By doing so, we can create an environment that fosters unity and strengthens the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood among Muslims.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the repulsiveness of slander and backbiting. It urges Muslims to refrain from engaging in such behavior and to strive for unity and harmony within the community. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and emulating the noble character of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we can cultivate an atmosphere of love, respect, and mutual support among Muslims. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and protect us from the evils of slander and backbiting.