Hadith #8262

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

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

One who listens to gossip is one of the two backbiters.

This Hadith highlights the grave sin of listening to gossip, equating it with the act of backbiting itself. To fully comprehend the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words.

The Arabic word (sami'u) "سامِعُ" translates to "one who listens." This word emphasizes the action of actively paying attention to gossip, indicating that it is not a passive act but a deliberate choice. The word (al-ghibah) "الغيبَةِ" refers to gossip or backbiting, which involves speaking ill of someone in their absence. Finally, the word (al-mughtabiyin) "المُغْتابيَْنِ" means "the backbiters." Here, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting that the listener of gossip is just as culpable as the one who backbites.

To understand the gravity of this sin, we turn to the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns us 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 prohibition of backbiting and equates it to consuming the flesh of a dead brother, a repugnant act that no one would desire.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10-12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns,

Indeed, those who malign the believing men and believing women undeservedly are cursed in this world and the Hereafter, and they will have a great punishment. On the Day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do. That Day, Allah will pay them in full their deserved recompense, and they will know that Allah is the manifest Truth.

These verses highlight the severe consequences that await those who engage in backbiting and slander.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of guarding their tongues and ears. By listening to gossip, one becomes an active participant in the sin of backbiting. This Hadith also teaches us the importance of being mindful of the company we keep and the conversations we engage in. Surrounding ourselves with positive and righteous individuals will help protect us from falling into the trap of gossip.

Moreover, this Hadith emphasizes the profound knowledge and wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). His words serve as a guiding light for Muslims, reminding us to be cautious of our actions and to strive for moral excellence. By adhering to the teachings of the Quran and the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can purify our hearts and strive towards attaining the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us that listening to gossip is as sinful as engaging in backbiting. It reminds us of the severe consequences of these actions as highlighted in the Quran. By being mindful of our words and actions, and by seeking the guidance of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can strive to purify our souls and attain the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to refrain from gossip and backbiting, and may He purify our hearts and souls.