Hadith #10672

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure family, his noble companions, and all the righteous Muslims until the Day of Judgment.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The worst trait is talebearing.

This Hadith highlights the severity and reprehensibility of engaging in the act of spreading gossip and rumors about others. Talebearing, or "nami'mah" in Arabic, refers to the act of carrying tales or spreading malicious information about someone behind their back.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used. "Bisa" means the worst or most evil, indicating the gravity of the trait being discussed. "Shimah" refers to a characteristic or trait, and "nami'mah" specifically denotes talebearing or gossip.

The Quran provides clear guidance on the importance of guarding one's tongue and refraining from engaging in backbiting or spreading rumors. 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 spreading assumptions and engaging in backbiting, comparing it to the repulsive act of consuming the flesh of one's deceased brother. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and maintaining a sense of brotherhood and respect for one another.

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

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'?

These verses highlight the importance of maintaining a positive opinion of one another and not readily accepting or spreading false information. They also emphasize the need for Muslims to unite and defend one another against baseless accusations and rumors.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims of the severe consequences of talebearing. Engaging in such behavior not only damages the reputation and honor of the person being talked about but also creates division and mistrust within the community. It undermines the unity and brotherhood that Islam promotes.

Moreover, talebearing can lead to a cycle of negativity and harm. Once a rumor is spread, it can quickly escalate and cause irreparable damage to relationships and individuals. It can also lead to the spread of false information and the perpetuation of misunderstandings.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his wisdom and knowledge, understood the destructive nature of talebearing. He recognized that it is a trait that goes against the teachings of Islam and the principles of justice and fairness. By highlighting the worst trait as talebearing, he emphasized the importance of guarding one's tongue and refraining from engaging in harmful speech.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder to Muslims of the gravity of talebearing and the importance of refraining from spreading gossip and rumors. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the need for positive assumptions, unity, and the avoidance of backbiting. Muslims should strive to cultivate a culture of respect, trust, and brotherhood, and refrain from engaging in any form of harmful speech. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to speak with wisdom and righteousness, and protect us from the evils of talebearing.