Hadith #8253

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 progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us about the grave sin of backbiting, emphasizing its detrimental consequences both in the sight of Allah and among people. The word used in the Hadith for backbiting is (الغيبة) "ghibah", which refers to speaking ill of someone behind their back in a manner that they would dislike if they were to hear it. Ghibah is considered a major sin in Islam, as it violates the rights of others and causes harm to individuals and society.

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 highlights the repugnance of backbiting by comparing it to consuming the flesh of a dead brother. Just as we would find such an act abhorrent, we should similarly detest backbiting. It is a violation of the sanctity of human dignity and undermines the bonds of brotherhood and unity within the Muslim community.

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

Indeed, those who malign believing men and believing women undeservedly are certainly guilty of slander and a manifest sin. O Prophet! Enjoin your wives, your daughters, and the wives of the believers that they should cast their outer garments over their persons. That is more proper, so that they may be recognized and not molested. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful. If the hypocrites, and those in whose hearts is a disease, and those who spread false news among the people in Al-Madinah, do not cease, We shall certainly let you overpower them, then they will not be able to stay in it as your neighbors but a little while.

These verses not only condemn backbiting but also emphasize the importance of protecting the honor and dignity of individuals, especially women. Backbiting not only harms the reputation of the person being spoken about but also creates a toxic environment where trust and unity are eroded.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) warns us that backbiting not only incurs the displeasure of Allah but also leads to being disliked by the people. When we engage in backbiting, we sow seeds of discord and animosity among people, damaging relationships and causing division within the community. People naturally distance themselves from those who engage in backbiting, as they fear being the subject of such malicious talk themselves.

Moreover, the Hadith states that backbiting renders one's rewards void. This highlights the gravity of the sin and its impact on our spiritual growth. When we engage in backbiting, we not only lose the rewards of our good deeds but also accumulate sins that weigh down our souls. Our acts of worship and charity become nullified, and we are deprived of the blessings and mercy of Allah.

Reflecting on the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), we must strive to abstain from backbiting and instead cultivate a culture of respect, kindness, and empathy. We should remember that our words have the power to either build or destroy, and we will be held accountable for every word we utter. Let us purify our tongues and hearts, seeking forgiveness from Allah for any past transgressions, and make a conscious effort to speak only that which is beneficial and uplifting.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) protect us from the sin of backbiting and guide us towards righteousness and unity. May He grant us the strength to control our tongues and use them for spreading love, harmony, and goodness among our fellow Muslims. Ameen.