Hadith #8254

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, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states, "الأم الناس المغتاب" which translates to

The wicked of [all] people is the backbiter.

In this beautiful saying, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the evil nature of backbiting and its detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, let us delve into the meanings of the key words. (al-am) "الأم" refers to the wicked or the most evil among people. (an-nas) "الناس" signifies all people, encompassing both Muslims and non-Muslims. And (al-mughatab) "المغتاب" refers to the backbiter, someone who speaks ill of others behind their backs.

The prohibition of backbiting is not only emphasized in this Hadith but is also explicitly condemned in the Quran. 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 clearly illustrates the severity of backbiting by comparing it to the repugnant act of consuming the flesh of one's deceased brother. Just as we would find such an act abhorrent, we should also detest backbiting and refrain from engaging in it.

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

Indeed, your Lord is in observation. And as for man, when his Lord tries him and [thus] is generous to him and favors him, he says, 'My Lord has honored me.' But when He tries him and restricts his provision, he says, 'My Lord has humiliated me.'

These verses remind us that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) is always watching over us, and it is our duty to be mindful of our actions, including our speech. Backbiting not only harms the person being spoken about but also tarnishes the reputation of the backbiter and distances them from the blessings and favors of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, emphasizes the evil of backbiting in this Hadith. He highlights how it is the most wicked act that a person can engage in, surpassing all other sins. Backbiting not only damages relationships and creates discord among individuals but also erodes the fabric of society.

When we engage in backbiting, we sow the seeds of mistrust and animosity among people. It leads to the breakdown of unity and harmony within communities, hindering progress and development. Moreover, backbiting tarnishes the reputation of individuals, causing them emotional distress and harm. It is a violation of their rights and a betrayal of the trust they have placed in us.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we must strive to purify our tongues and refrain from engaging in backbiting. We should be conscious of our words and use them to build bridges of understanding and compassion, rather than tearing others down. Let us remember the words of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) 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.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to abstain from backbiting, as it is the most wicked act that one can commit. It is essential for us to reflect on the Quranic verses that condemn backbiting and understand the severe consequences it has on individuals and society. By purifying our speech and refraining from backbiting, we can foster an environment of unity, respect, and love among Muslims and contribute to the betterment of our communities. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us all to follow the teachings of the Quran and the Ahl al-Bayt and protect us from the evils of backbiting.