Hadith #8263

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 Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

سامِعُ الغيبَةِ شَريكُ المُغْتابِ۔

This translates to,

One who listens to gossip is the partner of the backbiter.

Let us delve into the profound wisdom and guidance contained within this statement, drawing upon the teachings of the Quran.

Firstly, let us examine the key words in this Hadith. (sami'u) "سامِعُ" refers to the one who listens, while (al-ghibah) "الغيبَةِ" refers to gossip or backbiting. And (sharik) "شَريكُ" means partner, and (al-mughtab) "المُغْتابِ" refers to the backbiter.

The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of guarding our tongues and refraining from engaging in backbiting and gossip. 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 severity of backbiting and compares it to the repugnant act of consuming the flesh of a deceased person. Just as we would find such an act abhorrent, we should also find backbiting and gossip repulsive. Listening to gossip, as mentioned in the Hadith, is condemned because it encourages and perpetuates this harmful behavior.

Furthermore, the Quran teaches us the importance of speaking only that which is good and beneficial. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:33), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

Say, 'My Lord has only forbidden immoralities - what is apparent of them and what is concealed - and sin, and oppression without right, and that you associate with Allah that for which He has not sent down authority, and that you say about Allah that which you do not know.'

This verse reminds us that Allah has prohibited all forms of immorality, including backbiting and gossip. It is a form of oppression without right, as it harms the reputation and honor of others. By listening to gossip, one becomes complicit in this act of oppression and shares in the sin.

The consequences of engaging in backbiting and listening to gossip are grave. It creates divisions among Muslims, erodes trust, and damages relationships. It also tarnishes the unity and harmony within the community. The Quran warns us in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:11),

O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one's] faith. And whoever does not repent - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.

This verse reminds us of the importance of respecting one another and refraining from belittling or mocking others. Engaging in backbiting and gossip goes against the principles of respect and unity that Islam promotes. It is a form of disobedience and wrongdoing, which brings about negative consequences in this life and the hereafter.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we realize the profound wisdom of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ). By warning against listening to gossip, he highlights the importance of actively avoiding such harmful conversations. We must strive to be conscious of the impact our words and actions have on others, and actively work towards fostering a culture of kindness, respect, and unity within the Muslim community.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to refrain from listening to gossip and backbiting. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the importance of guarding our tongues and speaking only that which is good and beneficial. By avoiding gossip and backbiting, we can contribute to a more harmonious and united Muslim community, guided by the principles of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to uphold these teachings in our daily lives.