Hadith #8259

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. Peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Al-ghibah (backbiting) is the effort of the feeble.

This beautiful saying highlights the negative nature of backbiting and its association with weakness and lack of strength. To fully understand the depth of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words used.

The word "ghibah" refers to speaking ill of someone in their absence, revealing their faults or shortcomings. It involves discussing matters that the person being talked about would not like to be disclosed. Ghibah is considered a major sin in Islam, as it not only harms the reputation and honor of the individual being backbitten but also creates division and animosity among Muslims.

The word "jihad" is used in this Hadith to describe the act of backbiting. Jihad typically refers to the struggle or effort exerted by a person in the path of Allah. However, in this context, it is used metaphorically to highlight the exertion and energy put into backbiting. This choice of word emphasizes the seriousness and magnitude of the sin of backbiting.

To further understand the gravity of backbiting, we can 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 ayah highlights the severity of backbiting by comparing it to the repulsive act of consuming the flesh of one's own brother. Just as we would find such an act abhorrent, we should also detest backbiting. It is a violation of the rights of our fellow Muslims and goes against the principles of unity and brotherhood in Islam.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10-12), 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. If the hypocrites and those in whose hearts is disease and those who spread rumors in al-Madinah do not cease, We will surely incite you against them; then they will not remain your neighbors therein except for a little.

These verses emphasize the importance of protecting the honor and dignity of believers. Backbiting not only harms individuals but also undermines the unity and harmony within the Muslim community. It is a tool used by the hypocrites and those with diseased hearts to spread rumors and create division. Therefore, it is crucial for Muslims to refrain from engaging in such destructive behavior.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement that backbiting is the effort of the feeble serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to avoid this sinful act. It highlights the weakness and lack of strength displayed by those who engage in backbiting. Instead, we should strive to be strong in our faith, character, and relationships with others.

By refraining from backbiting, we demonstrate our commitment to the teachings of Islam and our respect for the rights of our fellow Muslims. We should strive to build a community based on love, compassion, and forgiveness, where backbiting has no place. Let us reflect on the words of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and make a conscious effort to avoid backbiting, thereby strengthening our bonds of brotherhood and unity as Muslims.