Hadith #8255

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 purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

The most hated of creatures in the sight of Allah is the backbiter.

This Hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims about the gravity of backbiting and its consequences in the eyes of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

The Arabic word used in this Hadith for backbiting is (al-mughatab) "المُغْتاب". It refers to someone who speaks ill of others behind their backs, revealing their faults or spreading rumors about them. This act is highly detested by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and is considered a major sin in Islam.

To understand the severity 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 verse emphasizes the importance of avoiding negative assumptions and refraining from backbiting. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) compares backbiting to the repulsive act of eating the flesh of one's own brother. Just as we would find such an act abhorrent, we should also find backbiting equally repugnant.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:10-12), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against spreading false rumors and engaging in backbiting. He says,

Indeed, those who have brought the news to you are liars. Do not obey them but purify your souls. They have certainly brought you a clear statement of the truth. Then how will you be when the death approaches you while you are in a state of sin and among the worst of people?

These verses highlight the importance of verifying information before spreading it and the need to purify our souls from engaging in backbiting. They serve as a reminder that engaging in such behavior can lead to spiritual degradation and distance us from Allah's mercy.

The consequences of backbiting are not limited to this world alone. In Surah Al-Humazah (104:1-4), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the fate of those who indulge in backbiting. He says,

Woe to every scorner and mocker, who collects wealth and [continuously] counts it. He thinks that his wealth will make him immortal. No! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher.

These verses serve as a warning to Muslims about the severe punishment that awaits those who engage in backbiting. It is a reminder that worldly possessions and status will be of no avail on the Day of Judgment. Instead, our actions and intentions will be the determining factors for our eternal fate.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we can understand that backbiting is not only harmful to the individual being spoken about but also detrimental to the one engaging in it. It tarnishes one's character, weakens relationships, and distances us from Allah's mercy. As Muslims, we should strive to refrain from backbiting and instead focus on building a community based on love, respect, and unity.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the sin of backbiting and guide us to purify our hearts and tongues. May He grant us the strength to speak only words that are pleasing to Him and beneficial to others. Ameen.